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Section  of  Diseased  Lung;  recent  case  of  Lrnig  Plague.  Thin  end 
showed  black  hepatization  ;  the  centre,  red  hepatization  ;  the  thick  end 
interlobular  infiltration.     Several  blocked  vessels  are  shown. 


THE  FARMER'S 

VETERINARY  ADVISER 

A  GUIDE  TO  THE 

PREVENTION  AND  TREATMENT  OF  DISEASE 

IN   DOMESTIC  ANIMALS 


By  JAMES  LAW 


Professor  of  Veterinary  Science  in  Cornell  University  ;  Veterinary  A  lumnus  of  the  Higk 
land  and  Agriadtural  Society  of  Scotland  ;   Fellow  of  the  Royal  College  of  Veteri- 
nary Surgeotis  of  Great  Britain ;  Consulting  Veterinarian  to  the  New 
York  Agricultural  Society ;   Member  of  the   American  Public 
Health  A  ssociation  ;  Former  Professor  in  the  A  Ibert  Vet- 
erinary College,  London,  and  the  Netv  Veteri- 
nary College,  Edinburgh;   Author  of 
General  and  Descriptive  A  nat- 
otny  of  the  Domestic 
Animals,  etc. 


WITH  NUMEROUS  ILLUSTRATIONS 
Eighth  Edition 

ITHACA 
PUBLISHED    BY     THE     AUTHOR 

1887 


t'jOrVlUGHT,    1887, 

Bt  JAMES  LAW. 


/.4- 


Right  0/  'l'*'*nsl^tiorf  Krsfr^f^ 


TROW'8 

PRINTING  AND  BOOKBINDINQ  COMPANY; 

NEW  YORK. 


^ 


PREFACE   TO   THE  EIGHTH   EDITION. 

The  "  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser  "  has  been  so  favor- 
ably received  in  America,  Canada,  and  England  that  I  feel 
called  upon  to  issue  a  revised  edition,  to  cover  the  ground 
over  which  Yeterinary  Medicine  has  advanced  in  the  past 
eleven  years,  since  it  was  first  published,  and  thereby  to 
continue  to  deserve  the  confidence  hitherto  accorded  it. 
The  advances  of  the  past  decade  have  been  marvelous 
indeed,  but  most  largely  in  the  field  of  contagious  diseases 
and  their  prevention,  and  to  meet  this  progress,  I  have  in 
the  present  edition  added  two  complete  chapters  dev^oted 
to  this  subject.  The  third  chapter  has  also  been  consid- 
erably enlarged  by  the  introduction  of  additional  plagues, 
which  either  exist  on  the  North  American  Continent  or 
are  specially  liable  to  be  introduced  through  the  ordinary 
channels  of  trade.  The  changes  in  the  remaining  part  of 
the  book  are  less  extensive,  but  they  will  be  found  to  add 
materially  to  the  fullness  and  clearness  of  the  work  as  a 
whole. 

Some  of  the  changes  made  may  not  be  fully  appreciated 
at  first  sight  by  the  average  farmer,  yet  they  were  consid- 
ered essential  for  two  reasons,  first,  the  adaptation  of  the 
work  to  the  purpose  to  which  it  has  been  largely  put  as  a 
veterinary  text-book  in  agjricultural  coUeges ;  and  second,  for 

PROPERTY  OP 

^^rj?  -A.  &  M.  COLLEGE  LIBRARX. 


iv  Preface  to  the  Eighth  Edition, 

the  education  of  the  agricultural  community  in  the  need  of 
effective  methods  for  stamping  out  animal  plagues,  a  subject 
which  has  been  so  ignorantly  and  ineffectively  dealt  with  in 
our  legislative  halls. 

The  author  feels  warranted  in  bespeaking  for  the  revised 
edition  a  continuance  of  those  favors  that  have  been  so 
freely  accorded  to  its  predecessors. 

JAMES  LAW, 

Cornell  University, 

Ithaca,  March,  1887. 


PREFACE. 

This  work  is  especially  designed  to  supply  the  need  of  the 
busy  American  farmer  who  can  rarely  avail  himself  of  the 
advice  of  a  scientific  veterinarian.  The  author  is  deeply  sen- 
sible of  the  low  estimate  placed  upon  Veterinary  Medicine 
and  Surgery  in  the  United  States,  and  the  necessity  of 
educating  the  public  up  to  a  better  appreciation  of  its 
value.  We  have  a  property  in  live  stock  estimated  at 
$1,500,000,000,  and  rapidly  increasing  in  value,  consisting 
of  at  least  six  different  genera  of  mammals,  besides  birds, 
and  therefore  affording  an  almost  unlimited  field  for  the 
practical  exercise  of  humanity,  political  economy,  and  scien- 
tific research  in  the  pursuit  of  Veterinary  Medicine.  In 
the  Old  World  millions  are  saved  yearly  to  each  of  the 
Western  European  Nations  in  the  exclusion  and  extinction 
of  animal  plagues,  and  many  instances  can  be  adduced  of 
an  intelligent  veterinary  supervision  saving  at  the  rate  of 
$30,000  per  annum  on  a  stud  of  400  horses.  But  in  the 
Western  Hemisphere,  apart  from  the  larger  cities,  the  great 
pecuniary  interest  in  live  stock  is  largely  at  the  mercy 
of  ignorant  pretenders,  whose  barbarous  surgery  is  only 
equaled  by  their  reckless  and  destructive  drugging.  The 
constantly  recurring  instances  of  absolute  and  painful  poi? 


vi  Preface. 


soning,  and  cruel  and  injurious  vivisections  practiced  under 
the  name  of  remedial  measures  are  almost  sickening  to  con- 
template. To  give  the  stock-owner  such  information  as 
will  enable  him  to  dispense  with  the  unprofitable  and  peril- 
ous services  of  such  pretenders,  and  to  apply  rational  means 
of  cure  when  he  happens  to  be  beyond  the  reach  of  the 
accomplished  veterinarian,  is  the  aim  of  this  book,  and  this, 
it  is  confidently  hoped,  it  will  accomplish  for  all  who  will 
intelligently  study  its  pages. 

To  secure  this  object,  and  yet  to  place  the  book  within 
the  reach  of  all,  it  was  necessary  to  sacrifice  all  extended 
discussion  of  diseased  processes,  and  questions  in  pathology, 
and  therefore  the  reader  who  may  discover  deviations  from 
current  opinions  is  requested  to  suspend  his  decision  until 
he  has  consulted  the  Author's  larger  work,  in  which  the 
reasons  for  these  positions  will  be  given. 

With  this  view  of  still  further  condensing  the  work,  the 
doses  of  medicines  for  the  different  animals  are  rarely  given 
in  the  text,  but  one  or  more  agents  are  named  as  applicable 
to  every  distinct  stage  or  phase  of  the  disease  and  species  of 
patient,  and  the  reader  must  turn  to  the  list  of  drugs  given 
at  the  end  to  find  the  amount  required  for  each  animal. 
In  doing  this  he  must  note  particularly  for  what  purpose 
the  agent  is  given  and  select  the  dose  accordingly,  as  tlie 
effect  of  large  doses  is  usually  essentially  different  from  that 
of  small  ones.  Thus  common  salt  given  in  large  doses  to 
cattle  is  purgative  and  reducing,  while  in  small  ones  it  is 
alterative  and  tonic.  Sulphur  in  large  doses  is  laxative,  but 
in  small  ones  alterative,  expectorant,  and  diaphoretic.     Oil 


Preface.  vii 


of  turpentine  in  large  doses  is  purgative  and  vermifuge,  in 
small  ones  diuretic,  stimulant,  and  antispasmodic.  Atten- 
tion must  also  be  given  to  the  age  and  size  of  the  patient,  as 
more  fully  set  forth  in  the  Appendix. 

Illustrations  have  been  freely  introduced  to  render  the 
text  more  lucid,  and,  being  selected  from  those  prepared 
for  the  Author's  larger  work,  may  be  implicitly  relied  on. 

In  the  list  of  contagious  diseases  are  included  not  only 
those  that  are  habitually  developed  on  American  soil  and 
those  already  introduced  from  abroad,  but  also  such  as  pre- 
vail in  Europe,  and  are  liable  at  any  time  to  be  brought 
into  our  midst  by  importation.  It  is  no  less  imperative 
that  the  American  farmer  should  be  forewarned  of  pesti- 
lences that  threaten  him  from  abroad,  than  of  those  that 
beset  him  at  home.  For  all  such  affections  the  principles 
that  should  guide  us  in  preventing  and  extinguishing  the 
disease  are  concisely  but  clearly  set  forth. 

All  the  important  parasites  are  introduced,  and  their  con- 
ditions of  life  and  individual  metamorphoses  in  and  out  of 
the  bodies  of  domestic  animals  referred  to,  as  well  as  their 
migrations  from  man  to  animals  and  from  animals  to  man 
wherever  such  exists.  The  vast  importance  of  animal  para- 
sites is  only  beginning  to  be  realized  in  connection  with 
their  frightful  ravages  in  countries  (England,  Austi-alia, 
Buenos  Ayres,  Egypt,  Abyssinia,  Iceland,  India,  etc.)  into 
which  they  have  been  introduced,  or  where  they  have 
been  allowed  to  increase  unchecked,  and  a  concise  state- 
ment of  their  forms,  habits,  and  results  is  therefore  im- 
peratively necessary  for  the  protection  of  the  stock-owner. 


viii  Preface. 

This  subject  has  accordingly  been  brought  up  to  the  date 
of  present  observations,  and  though  short  enough  for  the 
pei-nsal  of  the  busiest,  it  will  furnish  a  sound  basis  for 
the  limitation  and  destruction  of  each  of  these  noxious 
pests. 


Ithaca,  May^  1876. 


JAMES  LAW, 

Cornell  University. 


CONTENTS, 


Inflammation  and  Fever,   .... 
Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases,    . 
Specific  Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases, 

Larger  Parasites, 

Dietetic  and  Constitutional  Diseases, 
Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs, 

Heart,       .... 

Blood-vessels  and  Lymphatics, 

Digestive  Organs, 

Liver,        .... 

■ Pancreas  and  SplEen, 

■ Urinary  Organs, 

Organs  of  Generation, 

Mamm^  (Udder)  and  Teats, 

Eyes,  .... 

Nervous  System, 

Sejn  Diseases,     ...... 

General  Diseases  of  Bones,  Joints,  and  Muscles, 
Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints,  and  Muscles, 
Diseases  of  the  Foot, 


PAGE. 
.  1 

.     32 

.  83 
.  143 
.  155 
.  164 
.  198 
.  209 
.  216 
.  274 
.  291 
.  293 
.  310 
.  328 
.  332 
.  339 
.  356 
.  385 
.  407 
.  457 


Diseased  Growths, 484 

Appendix:  Action,  Doses,  etc.,  of  Medicines,    .        .488 
Index, ^^^ 


THE 

FARMER'S  VETERINARY  ADVISER. 


CHAPTER  I. 

INFLAMMATION  AND  FEVER. 

Inflammation.  Its  phenomena.  In  vascular  tissues.  Changes  in  blood- 
vessels ;  in  blood ;  in  cells  ;  in  tissue  ;  in  function.  Exudations.  Migra- 
tion of  globules.  Reparatory  processes.  Inflammatory  fever.  Inflammation 
in  non-vascular  tissues.  Deranged  nutrition  ;  cloudy  swelling  ;  exudations  ; 
cell  multiplication  ;  cell  migration  ;  formation  of  blood-vessels  ;  purpose  of 
cell  multiplication.  Exudations  and  effusions — serous,  mucous,  fibrinous, 
bloody,  croupous.  Results  of  inflammation.  Resolution.  Delitescence. 
Metastasis.  New  formations,  plastic,  aplastic.  Suppuration.  Pyogenic 
bacteria.  Pus,  cells,  liquid.  Abscess,  acute,  chronic.  Diffuse  suppuration. 
Fistula.  Healing  by  first  and  second  intention.  Granulation.  Granule 
corpuscles  and  masses.  Development  of  lymph  into  tissue.  Degenerations 
of  new  growths.  Softening.  Ulceration.  Death  by  molecules.  Gangrene  ; 
death  of  a  part.  Fever ;  definition  ;  stages  ;  symptoms  ;  premonitory  ; 
chill  ;  reaction ;  defervescence,  crisis,  lysis.  Temperature  in  health  and 
disease.  Retention  of  water  in  system.  Tissue  waste.  The  typhoid  con- 
dition. Types  of  fever.  Treatment  of  inflammation  and  fever.  Regimen. 
General  fever  remedies.  Bleeding — general,  local  ;  leeching,  cupping. 
Warm  baths — in  chill  and  hot  stage.  Cold  baths.  Diaphoretics.  Laxa- 
tives. Diuretics.  Sedatives.  Alkalies.  Tonic  refrigerants — in  convales- 
cence ;  in  typhoid  states.  Local  treatment  of  inflammation — cold,  astrin- 
gents, antiseptics,  hot  applications.  Stimulating  embrocations  and  lotions. 
Blisters.     Firing.     Treatment  of  abscess. 

INFLAMMATION. 

Inflammation  forms  the  essential  part  of  so  many  diseases, 
and  a  concomitant  of  so  many  more,  that  a  brief  statement 
of  its  features  and  phenomena  appears  desirable,  even  in  a 
1 


2  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

condensed  manual  like  the  present.  From  the  days  of 
Hippocrates  inflammation  has  been  recognized  by  redness^ 
heat,  pain^  and  swelling,  followed  by  resolution  or  indura- 
tion, suppuration,  or  gangrene.  Such  a  definition  is,  how- 
ever, sadly  insufficient  in  view  of  modern  discoveries  as  to 
the  different  phases  of  the  inflammatory  process.  Redness 
occurs  in  the  transient  blush,  heat  in  the  feverish  system, 
pain  from  simple  passing  nervous  disorder,  swelling  from 
dropsy,  induration  from  the  formation  of  tumors,  and  gan- 
grene from  the  blocking  of  blood-vessels  or  other  exclusion 
of  blood  and  the  means  of  nutrition  from  a  part,  and  in  no 
one  of  these  cases  need  there  be  an  element  of  true  inflam- 
mation. Perhaps  no  definition  can  be  given  which  will 
cover  all  the  phenomena  of  inflammation. 

INFLAMMATION  IN  VASCULAR  TISSTIES. 

These  phenomena,  as  seen  in  a  transparent  membrane  like 
the  web  of  the  frog's  foot  or  the  mesentery  may  be  stated 
as  follows :  1st.  Disturbed  circulation  evinced  by  contrac- 
tion, quickly  followed  by  dilatation  with  elongation  of  the 
capillary  blood-vessels,  and  a  rapid,  followed  by  a  slow,  and 
even  oscillating  or  backward  movement  of  the  blood  within 
them,  branching  redness.  2d.  The  hlood-glohules  become 
sticky  and  adhere  together  and  to  the  walls  of  the  capilla- 
ries so  as  to  block  them  in  points.  3d.  The  fibrin  of  the 
hlood  coagulates  around  these  masses  of  globules,  forming 
points  of  complete  obstruction,  and  constituting  those  minute 
spots  of  deep  redness  which  cannot  be  effaced,  even  for  an 
instant,  by  the  pressure  of  the  finger  on  inflamed  skin.  4th. 
The  liquid  parts  of  the  blood  ooze  out  in  excess  through 
the  capillary  walls  into  the  tissues,  causing  the  swelling. 
5th.  Blood-globules  and  granules  escape  through  the  walls 
of  the  vessels  doidi  degenerate  into  pus-cells  or  become  the 
centres  for  the  growth  of  new  tissue  in  the  exudate.  6th. 
The  nuclei  {cells)  presiding  over  the  7iutrition,  etc.,  have 


Inflammation  and  Fever. 


their  functions  impaired  or  lost ;  the  inflamed  skin  in  the 
frog  has  its  pigment-cells  unchanged  while  all  the  body  be- 
side has  changed  color,  the  inflamed  retina  no  longer  sees, 
the  inflamed  nose  no  longer  smells,  the  inflamed  mamma  no 
longer  yields  milk,  the  inflamed  finger  has  no  more  the 
proper  sense  of  touch,  and  the  inflamed  cells  that  control 
nutrition  no  longer  build  up  the  tissues  amid  which  they 
lie,  but  tend  rather  to  a  simple  multiplication  of  their  own 
cell  forms,  as  do  the  cells  of  the  early  growing  embryo. 
7tli.  In  an  extensive  inflammation  the  large  arteries  jpro- 
ceeding  to  the  diseased  part  have  their  coats  abnormally 
rigid,  giving  a  harder  beat  to  the  pulse  and  determining  a 
more  abundant  flow  of  blood  than  in  the  corresponding  ves- 
sels of  the  healthy  part.  This  doubtless  results  from  the 
disorder  of  the  vaso-motor  (sympathetic)  nerves,  and  this 
disorder  is  involved  in  the  causation  of  the  derangement  of 
the  capillary  circulation  as  well,  since  the  cutting  across  of  a 
branch  of  these  nerves  going  to  a  part  promptly  induces  in- 
flammatory changes  in  such  part.  This  tendency  to  the 
production  of  inflammation  through  nervous  influence  is 
further  shown  in  the  extension  to  the  other  of  a  violent  in- 
flammation of  one  eye  caused  by  a  mechanical  injury.  Yet 
the  essential  changes  may  be  induced  in  the  tissues  by  irri- 
tants, though  the  nerves  proceeding  to  the  part  have  been 
cut  or  the  blood-vessels  tied. 

It  is  worthy  of  notice  that  in  extensive  inflammations 
in  otherwise  healthy  systems  the  circulating  blood  acquires 
a  great  increase  of  fibrinogen  (often  doubled),  and  the  blood- 
globules  become  abnormally  adhesive,  so  that  before  the 
drawn  blood  has  time  to  coagulate  the  globules  adhere  to- 
gether in  masses  and  precipitate  toward  the  bottom,  leaving 
the  upper  layers  of  the  clot  of  a  dull  yellow  hue  (buffy  coat). 
This  is  shown  in  the  blood  of  the  healthy  soliped,  but  in 
other  animals  it  implies  inflammation,  apart  from  the  condi- 
tions of  plethora,  anaemia,  pregnancy,  or  over-driving.     In 


The  Farmer's  Yeterinary  Adviser. 


the  horse  suffering  from  inflammation  the  normal  bnffy  coat 
is  increased.  The  blood  of  inflammation  also  coagulates 
more  firmly  and  contracting  most  toward  the  centre  assumes 
a  cupped  appearance  on  the  surface. 

These  changes  in  the  blood  and  nervous  system  are  asso- 
ciated with  an  increase  of  body  temperature  and  other  mani- 
festations of  fever  proportionate  to  the  extent  and  violence  of 
the  inflammation.  Again,  in  both  inflammation  and  fever, 
the  disease  process  may  be  of  a  strong  type  (sthenic),  or  of 
a  low  type  (asthenic,  adynamic). 

INFLAMMATION    IN   NON-VASCULAR   TISSUES. 

Inflammation  in  tissues  unprovided  with  blood-vessels 
may  be  observed  in  the  irritated  transparent  cornea  of  the 
eye,  or  the  cartilage  covering  the  ends  of  bones  in  joints. 
Each  when  inflamed  has  its  nutritive  function  impaired  and 
loses  its  clear,  translucent  aspect,  so  much  so  that  in  the  case 
of  the  ej^e  one  can  no  longer  see  into  its  interior.  There 
may  be  as  yet  no  real  thickening,  and  no  film  of  exudation 
formed  on  its  surface.  It  is  the  pre-existing  structures  that 
have  become  opaque  by  change  in  the  process  of  their  nutri- 
tion. If  a  thin  slice  of  this  inflamed  cartilage  is  treated 
with  picric  acid  and  placed  under  the  microscope  it  is  found 
that  the  nuclei  within  the  cartilage-cells  have  become  indi- 
vidually larger,  that  the  cells  embedded  in  the  cartilaginous 
matrix  are  more  numerous  than  is  normal,  and  that,  when 
the  inflammation  is  most  active,  even  cell- walls  are  no  longer 
formed,  but  that  a  mass  of  rapidly  multiplying  nuclei  is 
taking  the  place  of  the  solid  transparent  matrix.  As  in  the 
vascular  tissue,  so  in  the  non-vascular,  the  power  to  build  up 
the  sound  tissue  (cartilage,  corneal  tissue)  has  been  tem- 
porarily lost,  while  there  is  a  mere  growth  of  a  cellular  or 
embryonic  tissue  at  the  expense  of  the  pre-existing  struct- 
ure. It  remains  to  be  added  that  in  the  inflamed  cartilage 
or  cornea  there  is  an  abundant  infiltration  of  wandering 


Inflammation  and  Fever. 


white  blood-cells,  which  have  escaped  from  the  vessels  in  the 
adjacent  vascular  tissue  and  made  their  way  into  the  in- 
flamed and  softened  cornea. 

Thus  in  both  types  of  inflammation,  in  the  vascular  and 
non-vascular  tissues  alike,  there  is  this  abundant  concentra- 
tion of  plastic  cells  (white  blood-cells  and  tissue  nuclei), 
which  assume  for  the  time  the  functions  of  the  cells  of  the 
early  embryo  from  which  all  the  varied  tissues  of  the  future 
animal  are  to  be  developed.  Hence  these  cells,  which 
grow  so  abundantly  in  inflamed  parts  with  the  size,  form, 
and  functions  of  embryonic  cells,  are  not  inaptly  called  em- 
bryonic cells,  and  the  tissue,  which  they  first  form,  embry- 
onic tissue.  These  cells  may  be  looked  upon  as  the  guardi- 
ans of  the  system,  charged  with  the  duty  of  removing  from 
the  part  all  noxious,  useless,  or  extraneous  matter,  and  build- 
ing up  new  tissue  to  repair  the  breach  resulting  from  the 
injury.  ]S"o  sooner  is  the  injury  sustained  than  there  is  es- 
tablished an  increased  flow  of  blood  through  the  vessels  of 
the  injured  part  (or  through  the  nearest  blood-vessels  in 
case  the  injured  structure  has  no  vessels),  the  white  globules 
are  delayed  in  the  capillary  vessels  and  passed  through  their 
walls,  and  at  the  same  time  the  tissue  nuclei  increase  in  size 
and  numbers,  abandon  their  habitual  work  of  building  up 
tissue,  and  together  with  the  wandering  blood-cells  devote 
every  power  to  the  removal  of  the  irritant  and  the  repair  of 
the  breach.  A  similar  work  is  effected  in  an  entirely  natu- 
ral way  in  the  tail  of  the  tadpole  when  developing  into  a 
frog.  Embryonic  or  lymphoid  cells  increase  enormously  in 
the  tail,  feeding  upon  the  tissues  of  the  now  superfluous 
organ,  and  gradually  absorbing  and  removing  the  whole 
mass.  So  it  is,  too,  in  the  case  of  offensive  living  organisms 
introduced  into  a  tissue.  When  bacteria  have  been  thus  in- 
oculated inflammation  is  at  once  set  up,  and  tlie  accumulat- 
ing cells,  if  numerous  enough  relatively  to  the  micro-organ- 
ism, take  the  bacteria  into  their  substance  and  gradually 


The  Farmer' 8  Veterinary  Adviser. 


dissolve  and  digest  them,  thereby  rendering  the  inoculation 
harmless.  If,  however,  the  bacteria  are  too  numerous  or 
too  poisonous  (in  themselves  or  their  products)  to  be  thus 
easily  devoured,  the  opposite  result  ensues,  the  cells  of  the 
blood  and  tissues  sent  to  dispute  their  invasion  are  them- 
selves destroyed,  and  there  takes  place  the  death  and  re- 
moval of  a  circumscribed  portion  of  tissue,  an  extensive 
suppuration  and  abscess,  a  spreading  gangrene  or  ulcer, 
or  a  fatal  general  infection.  A  small  dose  of  such  bacteria 
is  devoured,  removed,  and  rendered  harmless  by  the  de- 
fensive work  of  these  exudation-cells;  a  larger  dose  may 
establish  a  temporary  stronghold  in  the  tissues,  which  is 
finally  circumscribed,  loosened,  and  thrown  off  as  a  slough 
by  the  active  agency  of  the  investing  animal  cells  around  it, 
while  a  still  larger  dose  conquers  the  defending  army,  and 
extends  its  sway  over  the  entire  body  with  grave  or  fatal 
effect. 

INFLAMMATORY   EXUDATIONS    AND   EFFUSIONS. 

These  vary  much  in  different  cases  according  to  the  grade 
and  stage  of  the  inflammation,  the  part  affected,  and  the 
subject  of  the  disease. 

1st.  Serous  Exudations.  These  consist  of  the  liquid  ele- 
ments of  the  blood,  with  only  a  limited  amount  of  the 
fibrine-forming  element  (fibrinogen),  and  consequently  little 
tendency  to  clot  firmly.  The  effused  fluid  is  distinguished 
from  the  liquid  of  mechanical  dropsy  by  the  presence  in  it 
of  the  fibrinogen,  of  albumen,  of  cells,  and  of  nuclei.  The 
dropsical  fluid  does  not  coagulate  unless  heated,  and  con- 
tains less  common  salt  and  phosphates  than  the  inflamma- 
tory effusion.  Serous  exudations  are  characteristic  of  the 
early  stages  of  inflammation,  and  of  inflammations  of  serous 
membranes  (pleura,  peritoneum,  joints)  in  strong,  vigorous 
subjects.  They  are  especially  dangerous  by  reason  of  inter- 
ference with  the  functions  of  organs  by  pressure,  as  with 


Iiiflaiiimatlon  and  Fever. 


the  dilatation  of  the  lungs,  the  movements  of  the  heart,  the 
movement  of  joints,  or  the  integrity  of  the  hrain  or  spinal 
cord.  AVhen  the  disease  that  caused  them  has  subsided 
they  are  usually  speedily  reabsorbed,  though  not  invaria- 
bly so. 

2d.  Mucous  exudations  are  formed  wherever  mucus  is 
produced  in  health,  as  in  catarrhs  of  nose,  eyes,  throat, 
and  other  mucous  membranes.  They  contain  filaments  of 
precipitated  mucin  insoluble  in  acetic  acid  or  alcohol,  and 
globular  cells  in  all  stages  of  change  from  the  mucous  to  the 
pus-corpuscle,  the  latter  recognized  b}'^  its  bipartite  or  tri- 
partite nucleus,  manifested  by  contact  with  acetic  acid. 

3d.  Fibrinous  Exudations.  Inflammatory  lymph.  This 
oozes  out  through  the  vessels  in  a  liquid  state  and  afterward 
coagulates  by  reason  of  its  contained  fibrinogen  or  plasmin, 
which  exists  ready  formed,  but  in  solution,  in  the  blood. 
It  is  the  excess  of  plasmin  which  distinguishes  this  from  the 
serous  exudation.  The  coagulation  of  plasmin  may  result 
from  the  ferment  globulin  escaped  from  the  blood-globules, 
and  it  always  coagulates  promptly  on  contact  with  inflamed 
tissues,  probably  from  the  presence  of  the  same  or  an 
allied  ferment.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  exudation  es- 
capes into  a  healthy  cavity,  and  comes  in  contact  with 
healthy  tissues  only,  it  may,  like  blood  in  similar  circum- 
stances, remain  liquid  for  months.  It  is  specially  injurious 
by  enveloping  organs  (lungs,  heart,  bowels,  iris)  and  hampci'- 
ing their  movements,  or  by  binding  them  to  adjacent  struct- 
ures by  false  membranes.  In  coagulating  it  becomes  fii\st 
fibrillar,  then  granular,  and  finally  undergoes  molecular  dis- 
integration (Cornil  and  Ranvier)  or  development  into  new 
tissue  (Paget).  When  organized  it  usually  takes  the  form 
of  the  adjacent  tissue;  in  granulating  wounds  and  between 
serons  membranes  it  is  fibrous,  and  between  the  broken  ends 
of  bones  it  is  bony. 

Fibrinous  exudations  are  especially  seen  in  a  high  grade 


8  The  Kirmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  inflammation,  in  connection  with  fibrous  tissues  and  in 
strong  vigorous  subjects. 

4tli.  Blood  Exudations.  As  already  stated,  blood-globules 
escape  through  the  walls  of  the  vessels  in  all  inflammations, 
though  seldom  in  such  quantity  as  even  to  stain  the  tissues. 
Minute  ruptures  of  the  capillary  vessels  are  not  uncommon 
with  punctiform  clots  in  the  tissues,  but  extensive  escapes  of 
blood  are  usually  indicative  of  a  specially  unhealthy  type  of 
inflammation,  usually  associated  with  a  specific  and  deadly 
poison,  as  in  anthrax,  rinderpest,  swine-plague,  purpura 
hsemorrhagica.  They  are  further  most  common  from  newly 
formed  vessels,  which  are  yet  soft  and  possessed  of  little 
power  of  resistance. 

5th.  Croit^ous  Exudations.  These  are  deposited  on  dis- 
eased surfaces  in  the  form  of  false  membranes,  composed 
mainly  of  cell-elements,  epithelium,  and  pus- corpuscles  in  a 
thin  network  of  fibrine,  mucin,  or  both.  To  these  belong 
the  membranous  products  of  croup  and  diphtheria,  and  the 
false  membranes  that  appear  independently  of  these  poisons 
on  violently  inflamed  mucous  membranes  (croupous  enter- 
itis, etc.) 

EESTTLTS    OF    INFLAlVrMATION. 

Resolution.  This  is  the  condition  in  which  a  slight  in- 
flammation, which  has  not  advanced  beyond  the  stage  of 
liquid  effusion,  has  the  exudate  reabsorbed,  and  the  blood- 
vessels and  tissues  restored  to  tlieii-  healthy  condition.  If 
this  occurs  with  extraordinary  rapidity  the  term  delitescence 
is  applied  to  it,  and  there  is  danger  of  its  reappearance  else- 
where by  reason  of  clots  from  the  capillaries  being  suddenly 
loosened  and  washed  onward  to  block  other  capillaries  in  the 
lungs  or  other  distant  organs.  This  occurrence  of  a  sec- 
ondary disease  at  a  distance,  when  a  first  has  suddenly  sub- 
sided, has  been  named  metastasis^  and  is  usually  due  to  the 
blocking  of  the  capillaries  by  blood-clots. 


Inflainmation  and  Fever,  9 

Ivflaminatory  New  Formations.  Of  the  growths  in 
lymph  there  are  two  principal  kinds :  first,  the  plastic, 
fibrinous,  granular,  or  molecular  /  and  second,  the  ajplastic, 
croupous,  or  corpuscular.  The  first  form  tends  to  develop 
into  new  structure,  the  second  to  disintegrate  and  decay. 
Tlie  tendency  to  one  or  other  form  depends  largely  on  the 
strength  or  weakness  of  the  system's  health,  on  the  deficiency 
or  excess  of  corpuscles  in  the  exuded  fluid,  and  on  the  dis- 
tance of  the  latter  from  living  tissues  and  blood  supply. 
Much  also  depends  on  the  predisposition  of  the  genus,  the 
tendency  to  suppuration  in  lymph  being  in  a  descending 
series  from  horse,  ass,  and  mule,  through  ox  and  sheep,  to 
dog,  pig,  and,  finally,  the  bird,  in  which  latter  suppuration 
is  quite  exceptional. 

Suppuration.  In  inflammations  of  a  high  type,  in  those 
occurring  on  the  skin  or  mucous  membranes  in  which  there 
is  an  extraordinary  increase  of  nuclei  and  embryonal  cells, 
and  in  lymph  thrown  out  in  excess  at  one  point,  so  that  its 
central  parts  are  far  from  vascular  tissue,  the  cell  elements 
undergo  a  rapid  increase  and  degradation  into  pus-corpuscles, 
and  its  solidified  intercellular  lymph  undergoes  granular 
decay  and  liquefaction  into  the  liquid  of  pus. 

While  the  above  conditions  are  favorable  to  the  forma- 
tion of  pus,  the  process  of  suppuration  must  now  be  recog- 
nized as  an  infective  process  due  to  the  propagation  of  bac- 
teria (mainly  chain  forms — Streptococcus  pyogenes — and 
cluster-groups — Staphylococcus  pyogenes).  These  or  other 
bacteria  are  found  in  the  pus  of  acute  abscesses,  and  when 
absent  in  chronic  abscesses  are  to  be  considered  as  havinor 
perished  since  the  abscess  was  recent  and  active.  Inocula- 
tion of  a  rabbit  with  an  excess  of  the  pus  of  an  acute  abscess 
produces  general  purulent  infection  (pyaemia)  and  early 
death;  from  a  medium  dose  an  abscess  is  produced;  while 
from  a  small  dose  there  is  no  effect  whatever.  In  the  latter 
case  the  bacteria  are  overcome  and  devoured  by  the  abun- 


10  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

dance  of  vitally  potent  white  blood-globules  and  tissne-cells. 
This  pns-fonning  action  of  these  bacteria  explains  the  great 
difference  in  results  in  wounds  exposed  to  the  air  and  tliose 
in  the  interior  of  the  body  and  far  removed  from  air  and  its 
floatinor  bacteria.  A  broken  bone,  with  no  wound  in  the 
skin  and  little  injury  to  parts  around  the  fracture,  is  readily 
repaired,  without  any  formation  of  pus,  if  merely  kept  still 
and  immovable ;  whereas  a  broken  bone,  continuous  with  a 
wound  through  the  skin,  always  tends  to  form  pus  and  is 
extremely  dangerous  even  to  life.  The  tendency  of  every 
open  sore  is  to  form  pus  on  its  surface,  but  this  may  be 
arrested  and  prevented  by  a  free  use  of  disinfectants  and  a 
covering  which  shall  arrest  and  filter  out  the  germs.  Simi- 
larly in  an  abscess  the  injection  of  disinfectants,  without  the 
formation  of  any  perceptible  permanent  opening  to  the  outer 
air,  will  put  a  stop  to  the  pus-formation.  The  subjection  of 
an  inflamed  part  to  the  control  of  these  pus-forming  bacteria 
is  dependent  on  the  lowered  vitality  and  power  of  resistance 
of  the  inflamed  tissues,  and  of  the  white  cells  of  their  circu- 
lating blood.  Healthy  parts  can  successfully  resist  them, 
though  they  are  constantly  present  in  surrounding  air  and 
on  objects,  but  in  this,  as  in  all  other  cases ;  of  bacterial  in- 
fection, so  soon  as  the  tissue  is  injured,  inflamed,  and  lowered 
in  its  power  of  vital  resistance,  the  pyogenic  bacteria  assail 
it  successfully.  Hence,  too,  the  more  abundant  exudations 
of  lymph,  the  centres  of  which  are  farthest  removed  from 
the  healthy  tissues,  and  from  the  influence  of  their  vital  re- 
sistance^ are  the  most  prone  to  suppui-ation.  That  the  germs 
can  make  their  way  to  such  deep-seated  exudations  in  the 
substance  of  solid  tissues  is  to  be  accounted  for  by  their 
gradual  advance  through  the  inflamed  and  weakened  struct- 
ures from  the  adjacent  skin  or  mucous  membrane,  or  in 
some  instances  by  reason  of  their  presence  in  small  numbers 
in  the  blood.  It  is  further  noteworthy  that  those  animals 
in  which  suppuration  does  not  occur  readily  are  such  as  have 


Inflaimnation  and  Fever.  \  \ 

a  special  power  of  resistance  to  some  other  organic  poisons. 
Thus  the  hog,  wliich  is  supposed  to  be  proof  against  snake- 
bite, is  also,  to  a  large  extent,  proof  against  the  pus-forming 
bacteiia.  For  further  notice  of  this  subject  see  article  on 
Pycemia. 

Pus,  This  is  a  white,  or  yellowish-white,  creamy-looking 
product,  composed  of  a  clear,  transparent  fluid,  I'endered 
opaque  by  numerous  floating  pus-corpuscles.  These  pus- 
corpuscles  have  the  same  size  as  the  white  globules  of  the 
blood  (^-g^^nr  ^^  ■sirVo"  i^ch)  and  are  peculiar  in  that  each 
shows  within  it  three  or  more  nuclei,  which  become  visible 
on  the  addition  of  a  drop  of  water  or  acetic  acid.  Each  of 
the  common  embryonal  cells  found  in  the  inflamed  tissue 
contains  two  nuclei,  the  indication  of  the  active  increase 
by  division  into  two,  but  when  the  supply  of  nutriment  is 
checked  the  nuclei  continue  to  divide,  while  the  cells  remain 
unchanged,  and  thus  every  cell  comes  to  contain  several 
nuclei  in  addition  to  fatty  granules,  and  constitute  pus- 
corpuscles. 

When  pus  is  formed  in  a  well-maintained  system  and  tis- 
sue, the  outer  layer  of  the  lymph  is  developed  into  a  fibrous 
sac  inclosing  the  liquid  pus  and  constituting  an  abscess.  In 
an  unhealthy  system,  or  when  the  inflammation  depends  on 
some  injurious  poison,  like  that  of  erysipelas,  this  sac  may 
not  be  formed,  and  the  pus,  burrowing  into  and  between  dif- 
ferent organs,  destroys  the  connections  and  substance — dif- 
fuse suppuration.  When  an  abscess  has  formed  in  soft 
tissues  its  investing  sac  shrinks  as  it  assumes  the  fibrous 
character,  and  the  confined  pus  being  incapable  of  compres- 
sion, presses  the  membrane  outward  on  the  side  in  wliich 
the  surrounding  tissues  are  most  loose  and  least  resistant, 
hence,  usually,  though  not  always,  in  the  direction  of  the 
skin,  the  soft  tissues  become  absorbed  and  removed  in  the 
track  of  the  advancing  pus;  and,  finally,  the  latter  reaches 
a   surface   and   escapes.     Thus,  an   abscess   usually  bursts 


1 2  The  Farmer'"^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tlirongli  the  skin,  bat  also,  at  times,  through  a  mucous 
membrane  into  the  hmgs,  bowels,  etc.,  or  through  a  serous 
membrane  into  chest,  abdomen,  etc.  When  an  abscess  is 
formed  in  bone  or  dense  fibrous  tissues  which  press  equally 
on  all  sides,  it  may  remain  imprisoned  for  months  and  years 
after  all  inflammation  has  subsided,  constituting  an  indolent 
or  cold  abscess.  When  the  imprisoned  pus  is  inclosed  by  thick 
fibrous  or  resistant  tissues  at  all  points  but  one,  it  will  make 
its  way  along  the  narrow  passage  of  yielding  tissue,  but  as 
the  resulting  outlet  is  constricted,  long,  and  tortuous,  the 
contents  cannot  readily  escape  through  it  nor  the  walls  of 
the  abscess  contract  so  as  to  expel  the  confined  pus,  and  the 
latter  goes  on  forming  and  discharging  through  the  narrow 
outlet  for  months  or  years.     This  is  o,  fistula  or  sinus. 

Healing  by  Adhesion  or  First  Intention.  When  a  clean- 
cut  wound  has  the  blood  staunched  and  its  lips  brought  to- 
gether without  exposure  to  the  air  (or  contact  with  pyogenic 
germs),  they  adhere  at  once  and  heal  without  pus  or  any 
appreciable  formation  of  new  tissue.  Here  the  lymph 
thrown  out  on  the  cut  surfaces  agglutinates  them,  and  the 
cells,  multiplying,  form  a  thin  layer  of  embryonic  tissue 
which  gradually  develops  into  a  fibrous  structure  and  re- 
pairs the  breach  without  any  perceptible  scar. 

Healing  by  Second  Intention.  Granulation.  When  a 
w^ound  has  caused  destruction  of  tissue,  or  when  a  simple 
incision  is  left  exposed  to  the  air,  the  breach  is  filled  up  by 
new  tissue  through  the  process  known  as  granulation.  The 
superficial  layer  of  lymph  thrown  out  on  the  raw  surface 
becomes  oxidized  and  degenerates  into  pus,  while  the  deeper 
layers  become  solid,  fibrillated,  the  seat  of  cell-growth,  and 
are  finally  transformed  into  a  fibrous  structure.  New 
blood-vessels  form  in  loops  in  the  developing  lymph  and 
constitute  the  bright-red  granulation-points  which  cover  the 
raw  surface.  The  fibrous  tissue  into  which  the  lymph  is 
transformed  undergoes  gradual  contraction  in  development, 


Ivfiammation  and  Fever.  13 

and  tlius,  day  by  day,  tlie  edges  of  the  adjacent  healthy 
skin  are  drawn  in,  so  as  to  cover  the  wound  more  or  less 
perfectly,  and  a  slight  scar  only  is  left  when  healing  has 
been  accomplished. 

Granule  Corpuscles  and  Masses.  This  is  another  de- 
generative transformation  in  lymph  and,  is  seen  mainly  in 
inflamed  glands  and  brain-  and  lung-tissue.  The  cells  found 
in  the  exuded  lymph  are  made  up  of  granules  i-g-Jirc"  ^^^^^  ^^ 
diameter,  and  besides  these,  large,  irregularly  shaped  masses 
of  granules  are  extended  along  the  capillary  blood-vessels. 
After  the  lymph  has  coagulated  these  granular  masses  soften 
and  liquefy  preliminary  to  re-absorption  and  removal,  and 
the  restoration  of  the  tissue  to  a  healthy  condition.  When 
in  excess  this  softens  and  disintegrates  the  tissues,  leading 
to  permanent  loss  of  substance. 

Development  of  Lymph  into  Tissue.  This  is  equivalent 
to  what  takes  place  in  the  formation  of  the  sac  of  the 
abscess  or  of  granulation-tissue.  The  liquid  lymph  in  co- 
agulating, becomes  fibrillar,  and  the  exuded  cells  and  nu- 
clei and  those  of  the  adjacent  tissue,  having  an  abundant 
supply  of  blood  and  nutriment,  multiply  first  as  simple, 
rounded  embryonic  cells,  then  deposit  around  them  new 
tissue,  becoming  elongated,  spindle-shaped,  branching,  etc., 
and  thus  get  imbedded  in  a  fibrous  material  of  their  own 
formation.  These  new  formations  are  usually  of  a  low  tj^pe 
of  organization,  like  white  fibrous  tissue  or  bone,  and  hence, 
although  breaches  in  the  higher  structures  like  muscle, 
nerve,  gland,  skin,  are  filled  up,  it  is  usually  only  by  the 
drawing  together  of  the  remaining  healthy  parts  by  these 
new  formations  without  the  restoration  of  any  of  the  origi- 
nal tissue  which  has  been  destroyed.  The  cicatrix  (scar), 
alone  is  made  up  of  new  material. 

Lymph  developing  in  this  way  may  undergo  any  degen- 
eration to  which  normal  tissues  are  subject.  Thus  it  may 
undergo  black  pigmentary  {melanotic)  degeneration,  it  may 


14  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

become  impregnated  with  lime- salts  {calcified),\i  may  wither 
up  into  a  hard  gelatiniform,  or  horny  mass,  or  it  may 
undergo y^^^y  degeneration. 

Fatty  degeneration  is  the  most  common  form,  and  con- 
sists in  the  excessive  deposit  of  fatty  granules,  first  in  the 
cells  which  are  in  excess  or  badly  nourished,  and  next  in 
the  adjacent  tissue,  the  normal  elements  of  which  are  re- 
placed by  fatty  granules. 

Softening  is  an  almost  constant  result  of  inflammation. 
The  exudate  infiltrates  and  separates  the  tissue  elements,  de- 
stroying their  cohesion ;  its  liquefaction  impairs  this  still 
further,  and  the  more  or  less  perfect  transformation  of  the 
tissue  into  embryonic  tissue  entails  the  loss  of  its  rigidity 
and  power  of  resistance.  Thus  the  inflamed  brain-tissue 
may  become  a  mere  pulp^  and  the  inflamed  bone  may  be 
cut  with  a  knife. 

Ulceration  is  closely  allied  to  softening.  On  the  surface 
of  a  sore  there  is  an  excessive  exudation  of  lymph,  which 
loosens  and  disintegrates  the  layer  of  lymph  that  is  already 
in  process  of  development,  and  also  a  part  of  the  tissue  be- 
neath. The  cells  in  these  parts  fail  to  develop  naturally 
and  to  build  up  good  tissue  ;  they  become  fatty,  die,  and 
together  with  the  tissue  in  which  they  lie,  break  down  and 
pass  off  as  a  pulpy  debris.  Thus  the  sore  constantly  deep- 
ens and  widens,  or  at  least  refuses  to  contract  and  heal. 

Gangrene  or  death  of  a  part  is  another  effect  of  inflam- 
mation. It  results  usually  from  the  cutting  off  of  the  blood- 
supply  through  the  obstruction  of  the  blood-vessels ;  b}^  the 
pressure  of  excessive  exudation  in  unyielding  structures,  as 
in  bone,  or  under  the  hoof;  by  implication  of  the  inner 
coats  of  the  blood-vessels  in  the  inflammation,  when  the 
contained  blood  will  clot  and  obstruct  them  ;  or  by  block- 
ing with  the  blood-clots  that  have  been  formed  at  a  dis- 
tance and  washed  on  in  the  blood-current  to  be  arrested 
when  they  reach  vessels  too  small  to  admit  them.     Like 


Injkmhmation  and  Fever.  1 5 

suppuration,  gangrene  is  associated  with  a  micrococcous 
growth.  The  dead  mass  remains  as  an  irritant,  and  is 
slowly  separated  by  the  formation  around  it  of  embryonal 
tissue,  granulations  and  pus.  A  second  form  is  molecular 
gangrene^  in  which  the  cells  and  minute  elements  of  the  tis- 
sue die,  and  are  cast  off,  leading  to  phagedenic  (eating,  ex- 
tending) sores,  as  noted  above  under  Ulceration.  When 
gangrene  occurs  on  an  exposed  surface,  that  may  be  altered 
from  the  normal  color  into  shades  of  yellow,  brown,  green, 
red,  or  black,  according  to  the  amount  of  blood  and  the 
stage  of  decomposition,  and  may  be  cut  without  pain,  if  the 
subjacent  parts  are  not  pressed  upon  ;  it  may  be  soft,  may 
pit  on  pressure,  may  crackle  under  the  hand  from  the 
evolved  gases  of  decomposition,  and  may  be  covered  with 
blisters  {jphlyctence)  with  red,  grumous  liquid  contents  {moist 
gangrene) ;  again,  it  may  be  white,  as  after  freezing,  or  it 
may  be  dark-colored,  dry,  and  horny,  as  from  ergotism  {dry 
gangrene)^ 

FEVER. 

Definition.  Whether  occurring  as  an  accomjpaniment 
of  inflammation  or  independently  of  it,  fever  is  an  un- 
natural elevation  of  the  temperature  of  the  hody,  the  direct 
result  of  an  excess  of  destructive  chemical  change  in  the 
hlood  and  tissues,  and  more  remotely  of  disordered  ner- 
vous function. 

Of  all  extensive  inflammations  fever  is  the  constant  result 
and  accompaniment,  rising  as  the  inflammation  rises  or  ex- 
tends, and  subsiding  as  the  inflammation  subsides.  It  also 
occurs  as  a  distinct  affection,  as  in  all  the  infectious  diseases, 
as  the  result  of  a  speciflc  irritating  poison  in  the  system, 
and  then  is  the  manifestation  of  the  disease,  while  a  local 
inflammation  may  or  may  not  be  present  as  a  special  sec- 
ondary feature  of  the  malady  or  as  an  accidental  complica- 
tion. 


IG  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

■  Symptoms  of  Fever,  Fever  is  marked  bj  certain  definite 
stages,  each  of  which  has  its  own  special  manifestations. 
In  the  cases  due  to  a  specific  disease-germ,  or  contagium, 
these  are,  however,  preceded  bj  a  period  of  latency  or  in- 
cuhation  in  whicli  no  symptoms  whatever  are  manifest,  but 
during  this  time  tlie  germ  is  rapidly  multiplying  in  the 
system,  and  it  is  only  when  it  has  gained  a  certain  increase 
that  it  disorders  the  nervous  system,  wastes  the  tissues, 
raises  the  temperature  of  the  body,  and  induces  the  other 
phenomena  of  fever.  The  same  may  be  said  to  liold  in  the 
fever  attending  on  inflammation.  The  slisiht  and  circum- 
scribed inflammation  is  at  first  productive  of  no  fever,  and 
it  is  only  when  it  gains  a  certain  extent  that  the  nerves  and 
nutrition  are  disordered  so  as  to  bring  about  a  feverish 
condition. 

Premonitory  Symptoms,  These  usually  last  but  a  few 
hours  and  are  often  entirely  absent  or  unnoticed.  There  is 
a  lack  of  the  customary  vigor  and  spirit,  an  indisposition  to 
exertion,  a  loss  of  clearness  and  vivacity  of  the  eye,  a  mani- 
fest dullness,  with  hanging  of  the  head,  and  frequent  shift- 
ing of  the  limbs  as  if  fatigued.  Appetite  is  less  sharp  and 
ruminants  chew  the  cud  less  heartily  or  persistently. 

Cold  Stage.  These  are  soon  succeeded  by  the  chilly 
rigor.,  or  shivering  fit,  in  which  the  hair,  especially  that 
along  the  back,  stands  erect  (staring  coat),  the  skin  is  cold 
and  adherent  to  the  structures  beneath  (hidebound),  the  ex- 
tremities (legs,  tail,  ears,  horns,  nose)  are  cold,  and  the 
frame  is  agitated  with  slight  tremors,  or  even  a  shivering 
so  violent  that  a  wooden  floor  or  building  is  made  to  rattle. 
The  back  is  arched,  the  legs  brought  nearer  together  (crouch- 
ing), the  mouth  is  cool  and  clammy,  the  breathing  hurried, 
the  pulse  weak,  and  it  may  be  rapid,  but  with  a  hard  beat, 
the  bowels  costive,  and  the  urine  higher  colored  than  nat- 
ural. The  temperature  of  the  interior  of  the  body,  taken 
by  a  thermometer  in  the  rectum,  is  already  found  above 


Inflammation  and  Fever.  1 7 

the  normal,  the  excessive  destruction  of  tissue  having  begun, 
and  the  blood  driven  from  the  cooler  surface,  and  accumu- 
lating in  the  hot  interior,  at  once  favors  tissue-change  and 
maintains  the  extra  heat  thereby  produced.  In  cattle  the 
end  of  the  tail  is  soft  and  flaccid  from  this  stage  onward. 
The  cold  stage  lasts  a  few  minutes  or  one  or  two  days  in 
different  cases. 

Hot  Stage.  The  hot  stage  appears  as  a  reaction  from 
the  chill,  the  contraction  in  the  minute  vessels  of  the  skin 
giving  place  to  dilatation,  so  that  the  whole  surface,  including 
the  extremities^  becomes  hot  and  burning,  but  still  dry  and 
parched.  The  burning  is  especially  noticeable  in  the  more 
vascular  parts,  like  the  roots  of  the  horns  and  ears,  the  muz- 
zle or  snout,  the  mouth,  the  hoofs,  the  bare  parts  of  the 
paws  in  carnivora,  and  the  mammae  (udder)  in  suckling 
animals.  The  mucous  membranes  lining  the  nose  and  mouth 
become  hot  and  red,  the  breathing  freer,  but  not  less  rapid, 
the  pulse  softer  but  accelerated,  appetite  (and  rumination) 
greatly  impaired  or  lost,  thirst  great,  costiveness  increased, 
urine  diminished  and  of  a  higher  color,  the  flow  of  milk 
greatly  impaired  or  entirely  arrested,  and  the  dullness  and 
prostration  greatly  increased. 

The  hot  stage  lasts  longer  than  the  cold  one,  usually  per- 
sisting until  death  or  convalescence.  It  may  alternate  with 
chills  throughout  the  whole  course  of  the  illness,  and  in  the 
fever  of  inflammation  the  interruption  of  the  hot  stage 
by  a  chill  usually  implies  either  a  considerable  extension  of 
the  inflammation  or  the  occurrence  of  suppuration. 

Defervescence.  The  decline  of  the  fever  may  take  place 
by  a  sudden  reduction  of  the  body  temperature  to  the  natu- 
ral standard,  or  near  it,  and  a  sudden  and  general  imprave- 
ment  in  the  symptoms  (crisis),  or  by  a  slow  improvement 
from  day  to  day  through  a  more  or  less  tedious  convales- 
cence (lysis). 

Natural  Temperature.  The  body  temperature  of  the 
2 


18  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

domestic  animals  is  best  taken  by  inserting  the  bulb  of  a 
clinical  thermometer  three  inches  or  more  into  the  gut  (rec- 
tum) and  leaving  it  there  three  minutes.  After  it  has  been 
used,  the  registering  column  must  be  shaken  down  to  below 
the  natural  temperature  of  the  next  animal  on  which  it  is  to 
be  employed.  The  natural  temperature  is  for  the  fowl, 
107°  F.  to  110°  F. ;  swine,  104^  ;  goat  and  sheep,  102°  to 
103° ;  cow,  101°  to  102° ;  dog,  99°  to  100°  ;  hoi-se,  99°  to 
99.6°.  Ranging  in  the  fields,  at  work,  or  under  a  summer 
sun,  it  may  be  a  degree  higher  than  at  other  times.  Female 
animals  in  heat  are  two  or  three  degrees  above  the  natural, 
and  in  advanced  pregnancy  and  at  parturition  they  may  also 
be  two  degrees  higher. 

Fever  Temjperature.  A  temporary  rise  of  one  or  two  de- 
grees is  unimportant,  but  a  permanent  rise  indicates  fever. 
A  rise  of  ten  or  twelve  degrees  is  usually  fatal.  A  sudden 
fall  to  or  below  the  natural,  unless  with  general  improve- 
ment in  the  symptoms,  indicates  sinking.  A  similar  fall, 
with  a  free  secretion  (perspiration,  urination,  relaxed 
bowels)  and  general  improvement  in  symptoms,  betokens 
recovery. 

Retention  of  water  in  the  fevered  system  is  as  significant 
as  the  elevated  temperature.  The  patient  drinks  greedily, 
but  all  the  secretions  are  arrested  or  diminished,  and  liquids 
go  on  accumulating  in  the  system.  The  sudden  bursting 
forth  of  secretions  (especially  sweating)  implies  that  the  fever 
has,  at  least  temporarily,  given  way. 

The  production  of  waste  matters  in  the  system  is  necessa- 
rily proportionate  to  the  amount  of  tissue  destroyed.  This 
appears  in  the  blood  mainly  as  urea,  the  organic  acid  of 
urine  (hippuric  in  herbivora,  uric  in  carnivora),  together 
with  phosphates,  sulphates,  and  chlorides.  These  thrown 
off  by  the  urine  give  it  its  high  density.  If  not  thus  thrown 
off,  they  remain  as  poisons  in  the  circulation  and  bring  about 
that  prostrate,  sunken,  debilitated  condition  which  charac- 


Inflammation  and  Fever.  19 


terizes  the  advanced  stages  of  all  severe  and  continued 
fevers — the  typhoid  condition.  This  is  not  to  be  con- 
founded with  tlie  specific  tyjphoid  fever ^  in  which  a  special 
fever-germ  expends  itself,  mainly  on  the  bowels,  and  that 
runs  through  a  regular  course.  The  typhoid  condition  is 
that  state  in  which  an  animal  system,  already  greatly  weak- 
ened by  a  severe  disease,  and  perhaps  further  prosti-ated  by 
a  specific  disease-poison,  is  subjected  to  a  species  of  poison- 
ing by  the  retained  chemical  products  of  the  waste  of  the 
tissues. 

Types  of  Fever.  These  are  as  characteristic  as  the  types 
of  inflammation,  and  of  the  same  kind.  The  strong  type  of 
fever,  which  attends  on  an  acute  inflammation  in  an  other- 
wise healthy,  vigorous  system,  is  spoken  of  as  a  high  or  in- 
flammatory  fever.  The  weak  type,  which  occurs  in  a 
broken-down  or  debilitated  system,  or  in  connection  with  the 
action  of  a  specific  disease  germ,  or  with  the  saturation  of 
the  system  by  waste  chemical  products,  is  known  as  low^ 
typhoid  (better  typhous\  or  adynamic  fever.  That  form 
which  persists  in  the  utterly  debilitated  system,  where  the 
power  of  assimilation  is  practically  lost,  is  known  as  hectic. 

TREATMENT   OF    INFLAMMATION  AND  FEVER. 

Treatment  will  be  guided  very  lai-gely  by  the  type  of  the 
attendant  fevei*.  If  that  is  of  a  high  type,  with  a  hard,  full, 
rapid  pulse,  bright  red  mucous  membranes,  a  clear  eye,  and 
well-sustained  strength  in  a  strong,  vigorous  animal,  what  is 
known  as  antiphlogistic  (depleting,  depressing)  treatment  is 
admissible  at  the  outset.  But  in  many  cases  with  a  low 
type  of  fever,  a  weak,  rapid  pulse,  pallid,  yellow,  or  livid 
mucous  membranes,  a  coated  tongue,  a  dull  or  sunken  eye, 
much  depression  and  prostration,  swaying  on  the  limbs  in 
walking,  pendent  head,  ears,  eyelids,  and  lips,  and  varying 
and  irregular  temperature  of  the  limbs,  etc.,  such  measures 
are  forbidden  from  the  first,  and  tonics  and  stimulants  are 


20  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

demanded  from  the  outset.  Between  the  two  extremes 
there  are  many  grades,  which  demand  a  judiciously  adjusted 
intermediate  treatment.  The  general  principles  only  of  each 
characteristic  form  of  treatment  can  be  here  formulated,  it 
being  understood  that  no  two  cases  can  be  most  advantage- 
ously treated  in  precisely  the  same  way  ;  but  that  according 
to  its  special  grade  each  case  will  demand  its  own  specific 
management  applied  according  to  the  skill  of  the  physician. 
Regimen,  An  antiphlogistic  diet  will  consist  in  a  moder- 
ate or  very  sparing  amount  of  non-stimulating  food  of  easy 
digestion  (wheat  bran  or  oil-meal  in  warm,  sloppy  mash, 
carrots,  turnips,  beets,  potatoes,  apples,  pumpkins ;  fresh, 
tender,  green  grass,  or  in  winter  a  little  scalded  hay,  may  be 
taken  as  examples).  Ruminants  should  have  no  food 
necessitating  chewing  of  the  cud;  thus  the  roots,  etc., 
should  be  pulped  or  boiled,  and  hay  and  even  grass  must  be 
interdicted  until  rumination  is  re-established.  When  food  is 
absolutely  refused  for  days  in  succession,  w^ell-boiled  gruels 
of  oat-meal,  barley-meal,  linseed-meal,  bran,  etc.,  may  be 
given  from  a  bottle  or  by  injection.  Dogs  and  cats  should 
have  only  vegetable  mush  (unbolted  flour,  barley,  or  oat- 
meal) with  just  enough  beef -juice  to  tempt  the  animal  to 
eat  a  little.  Milk  with  an  admixture  of  oxide  of  magnesia, 
or  even  lime-water,  is  often  at  once  palatable  and  cooling. 
Drinh  should  be  pure  water,  cool  if  kept  constantly  fresh 
before  the  animal,  but  warmed  to  something  less  than  tepid 
if  supplied  only  at  long  intervals,  so  that  the  thirsty  patient 
is  tempted  to  drink  to  excess  and  chill  himself.  Rest  in  a 
clean,  well-aired  building,  free  from  draughts  of  cold  air 
and  with  a  southern  exposure,  is  desirable,  especially  in 
winter.  The  best  temperature  is  usually  sixty  degrees  to 
seventy  degrees,  especially  in  inflammations  in  the  chest,  and 
extremes  of  temperature  are  to  be  avoided.  Clothing  will 
depend  on  the  weather.  In  warm  weather  it  may  be  often 
discarded,  while  in  winter  it  should  always  be  sufficient  to 


Inflammation  and  Fever.  2 1 

obviate  the  access  of  chill  and  consequent  aggravation  of  the 
disease.  Whenever  the  atmosphere  can  only  be  kept  warm 
at  the  expense  of  impurity,  it  is  better  to  secure  the  comfort 
of  the  patient  by  the  requisite  clothing  than  to  subject  him 
to  impure  air.  As  tlie  extremities  are  the  first  to  suffer 
from  cold,  loose  flannel  bandages  to  the  limbs  are  often 
imperative. 

Rem^edies.  General  bleeding^  a  great  resort  of  our  fore- 
fathers, has  been  long  all  but  discarded  from  modern  prac- 
tice. To-day  it  is  rarely  resorted  to,  except  to  save  from  an 
urgent  and  extreme  danger,  as  in  the  plethoric  cow  merging 
into  parturient  apoplexy,  or  the  fat  and  overdriven  horse, 
gasping  for  breath  and  life,  in  general  acute  congestion  of 
the  lungs.  There  are  other  cases  of  extensive  acute  and  dan- 
gerous congestions,  especially  in  a  strong,  vigorous,  and  pleth- 
oric patient,  in  which  general  bleeding  is  beneficial  in  ward- 
ing off  threatened  death  ;  but  as  much  sound,  discriminating 
judgment  is  necessary  to  its  safe  employment,  it  is  better 
for  the  amateur  stock-owner  to  i-esort  to  less  radical  meas- 
ures. When  resorted  to  at  all,  the  blood  should  be  drawn 
from  a  large  orifice,  in  a  full  stream,  to  secure  the  desired 
depressant  effect  with  the  smallest  loss  of  blood,  and  the 
patient  should  be  kept  especially  quiet  and  apart  from  all 
excitement  which  would  tend  to  counteract  the  sedative 
action. 

Local  hleeding  is  more  extensively  applicable  than  gen- 
eral, as  it  usually  effects  the  same  purpose  without  the 
permanently  weakening  effect.  It  acts  in  two  ways,  first, 
by  emptying  and  contracting  the  vessels  in  the  skin  over 
the  inflamed  organ  it  solicits  a  sympathetic  contraction  of 
the  capillary  vessels  in  that  organ  itself,  and  thus  inaugu- 
rates a  progress  toward  recovery ;  and  second,  by  so  nmch 
as  it  draws  blood  to  the  surface  it  diminishes  the  blood- 
pressure  on  the  deeper  inflamed  organ,  and  affords  a  better 
opportunity  for  the  restoration  of  the  healthy  circulatton 


22  The  Farmer'^ 8  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  function.  Local  bleeding  may  be  practiced  by  simple 
scarification  or  leeches,  or  better,  by  cupping  with  or  with- 
out scarification.  To  apply  leeches,  the  skin  must  first  be 
shaved.  To  cup,  it  must  at  least  be  greased.  As  a  cup, 
an  ordinary  large  drinking-glass  may  be  used,  the  air  con- 
tained in  it  being  driven  out  by  a  lighted  taper,  and  then 
the  taper  being  withdrawn,  the  mouth  of  the  cup  is  in- 
stantly and  accurately  applied  on  the  skin  and  held  there, 
until,  as  it  cools,  it  draws  up  the  skin  within  it  and  clings 
like  a  sucker.  A  nnmber  of  these  may  be  applied  accord- 
ing to  the  extent  of  the  inflammation,  and,  if  desired,  they 
may  be  removed,  the  part  scarified,  and  the  cup  reapplied. 
The  cupping  usually  effects  more  than  a  mere  local  attrac- 
tion of  blood ;  it  very  commonly  causes  a  free  circulation 
in  the  whole  skin,  a  generally  diffused  warmth,  and  even 
perspiration.  Thus  we  may  secure  the  derivation  of  blood 
from  the  inflamed  part,  the  cooling  of  a  large  mass  of  blood 
in  the  extensive  cutaneous  circulation,  the  cooling  of  the 
entire  system  by  the  return  of  this  blood  internally,  the 
elimination  of  injurious  w^aste  matters  thi'ough  the  skin, 
the  lowering  of  the  febrile  heat  and  tension,  and  a  better 
functional  activity  of  all  the  organs  of  the  body. 

Similar  good  results  are  obtained  from  all  remedies  that 
induce  surface  warmth  and  vascularity  and  a  free  secretion 
from  the  skin. 

Warm  haths,  for  animals  to  which  they  can  be  applied, 
abstract  blood  temporarily  from  the  inflamed  internal  or- 
gans, diminish  the  blood-pressure,  and  really  cool  the  system, 
beside  securing  elimination  from  the  skin  and  other  secret- 
ing surfaces.  They  may  be  commenced  warm  (80°  F.)  and 
gradually  cooled  down  to  65°  F.  after  the  skin  has  become 
freely  active.  In  the  larger  quadrupeds,  in  which  the  warm 
bath  is  practically  impossible,  the  same  revulsion  of  blood 
and  warmth  to  the  skin  may  be  secured  by  rags  wrung  out 
of  hot  {almost  scalding)  water ^  wrapped  tightly  round  the 


Inflammation  and  Fever.  23 

body  covered,  with  two  or  more  dry  blankets,  and  kept 
tiglitly  applied  against  the  surface  by  elastic  circingles. 
The  legs  may  be  rubbed  with  straw  wisps  till  warm,  and 
then  loosely  bandaged,  or  applications  of  red  pepper,  am- 
monia, or  mustard,  may  be  made  prior  to  bandaging.  In 
place  of  hot-water  rags,  bags  loosely  filled  with  bran,  chafF, 
or  other  light  agent,  heated  to  110°  F.,  may  be  applied 
round  the  body,  or,  where  it  is  available,  a  Turkish  or 
steam  bath  may  be  resorted  to.  These  hot  cutaneous  appli- 
cations, to  produce  glow  and  perspiration,  are  especially 
valuable  in  the  chill  that  heralds  a  violent  inflammation, 
and  if  that  can  be  suddenly  checked  by  this  means  the  in- 
flammation will  often  be  warded  off,  or  at  least  rendered 
slight  and  easily  controllable.  After  perspiring  for  half  an 
hour  the  patient  may  be  gradually  uncovered,  rubbed  dry, 
and  covered  with  a  dry,  warm  blanket.  If  the  skin  is  still 
glowing,  a  slight  sponging  with  cool  or  cold  water  may 
beneficially  precede  the  rubbing  and  drying. 

Cold  Baths.  In  cases  of  very  high  fever  a  full  cold  bath 
(68°  F.)  may  be  emploj^ed  for  fifteen  minutes,  and  repeated 
as  often  as  the  temperature  rises.  In  many  cases  of  parturi- 
tion fever  in  cows  great  benefit  accrues  from  sponging  the 
body  with  cold  water  and  allowing  it  to  to  evaporate  from 
the  burning  skin.  In  the  extreme  fever  of  heat  apoplexy 
(sunstroke),  with  a  temperature  of  110°  F.  and  upward,  a 
strong  current  of  cold  water  from  a  hose  directed  on  the 
head  and  body  often  gives  the  best  results.  In  ordinaiy 
fevers  in  large  animals  the  cold jpach  will  often  serve  a  good 
purpose.  Wring  a  blanket  out  of  water  (cold  or  tepid,  ac- 
cording to  the  height  of  the  fever  and  the  strength  and 
power  of  reaction  of  the  patient),  wrap  it  round  the  body, 
cover  it  with  several  dry  blankets  so  that  no  part  is  exposed, 
and  keep  the  whole  in  close  contact  with  the  skin  by  elastic 
circingles.  In  fifteen  minutes  the  skin  should  be  glowing 
and  perspiring,  and  in  half  an  hour  the  wrappings  should 


24  The  Farmer^ s  Yeterinary  Adviser. 

be  removed,  a  little  at  a  time,  the  parts  rubbed  dr}^  and  cov- 
ered with  a  dry  woolen  blanket.  It  may  be  repeated  as 
often  as  the  fever  rises. 

Diaphoretics.  Besides  these  remedial  methods  of  induc- 
ing a  revulsion  and  glow  in  the  skin  with  perspiration,  there 
may  be  resorted  to  the  medicinal  diaphoretics.  Among 
these  may  be  included  copious  drinks  and  injections  of 
warm  water ^  acetate  of  ammonia^  antimony^  ipecacuan^  or 
pilocarpine  or  one  of  the  sedatives,  aconite^  veratrum^  or 
opiiiin,  etc.  Many  a  threatened  acute  inflammation  has 
been  to  a  great  extent  cut  short  and  nipped  in  the  bud — 
the  stage  of  chill — by  warm  clothing,  active  hand-rubbing, 
and  such  an  apparently  unscientific  nauseant  as  tobacco. 

When  the  preliminary  stage  has  passed  and  the  hot  stage 
of  the  fever  has  set  in,  cooling  and  eliminating  agents  are 
especially  called  for. 

Laxatives.  In  many  cases,  and  especially  in  those  with 
marked  constipation  or  bowels  loaded  with  indigestible  ma- 
terials, a  laxative  is  beneficial.  For  the  horse,  aloes,  or, 
often  better,  sulphate  of  soda,  and  for  cattle  or  sheep,  the 
latter,  or  Epsom  salts,  will  at  once  remove  an  irritant,  cool 
the  general  system,  draw  off  much  blood  and  nervous  energy 
to  the  bowels,  and  secure  a  considerable  depletion  and 
elimination  from  the  intestines.  For  swine,  dogs,  and  cats 
castor-oil  or  salts  may  be  used,  and  for  fowls  castor-oil.  If 
the  mucous  membranes  are  yellow,  the  tongue  furred,  and 
faeces  scanty,  hard,  and  foetid,  a  dose  of  calomel  (horse  or 
ox,  one  drachm ;  sheep  or  pig,  one  scruple ;  dog,  three 
grains  ;  chicken,  one-half  grain)  with  tartar  emetic  (horse  or 
ox,  two  drachms ;  sheep,  twenty  grains ;  swine,  one-half 
grain ;  dog,  one-fourth  grain  ;  chicken,  one-eighth  grain) 
may  be  given  and  followed  in  ten  hours  by  one  of  the  laxa- 
tives named  above. 

Diuretics.  In  the  absence  of  any  manifest  disorder  of 
the  digestive  organs,  the  laxative  may  be  omitted  and  re- 

«.  C011E6F  IBBAHT. 


Inflammation  and  Fever.  25 

frigerant  diuretics  resorted  to.  Acetate  of  ammonia  or  po- 
tassa,  nitre,  tartrate  of  potassa,  carbonates  of  potassa  or 
soda,  may  be  used  along  with  sedatives. 

Sedatives.  Of  the  sedatives,  aconite,  bromide  of  potas- 
sium, veratrura,  hyoscyamus,  or  chloral  iiydrate  may  be 
used  according  to  the  special  indications.  As  an  example 
the  following  may  be  prescribed  for  the  horse :  ^ .  Nitrate 
of  potassa,  two  ounces ;  bromide  of  potassium,  one  ounce. 
Mix.  Divide  into  eight  powders.  Give  one  every  six 
hours. 

Alkalies.  Resolvents.  When  the  organ  inflamed  is  a 
serous  membrane  in  which  dangerous  adhesions  or  other 
functional  disorders  are  likely  to  occur  from  newly  formed 
false  membranes,  their  formation  should  be  counteracted  as 
far  as  possible  by  the  free  use  of  alkalies  (carbonates  of 
soda,  potash,  or  ammonia,  nitre,  iodide  of  potassium,  muri- 
ate of  ammonia,  etc.),  and  in  the  same  conditions  excessive 
effusion  should  be  controlled  by  free  action  on  the  kidneys. 

Tonic  Refrigerants.  Later,  when  both  inflammation 
and  fevei'  have  been  somewhat  reduced,  temperature,  breath- 
ing, and  pulse  rendered  more  moderate,  eye  clearer,  and 
even  appetite  perhaps  slightly  improved,  the  sedatives  may 
give  place  to  refrigerating  tonics,  such  as  mineral  acids 
(nitric,  muriatic,  sulphuric,  or  phosphoric),  in  combination 
with  bitters  (quassia,  cascarilla,  calumba,  gentian,  salicin), 
without  as  yet  the  suspension  of  refrigerant  diuretics.  Thus 
for  the  horse  the  following  :  I^.  Pharmaceutical  nitric  acid, 
two  drams ;  infusion  of  gentian,  ten  ounces ;  nitrate  of 
potassa,  two  ounces.  Dissolve.  Give  one  ounce  every  six 
hours.  Of  the  newer  refrigerants  antipyrin  is  one  of  the 
safest  and  best. 

In  Convalescence.  When  convalescence  has  fairly  set  in, 
the  fever  has  subsided,  and  there  remains  merely  some  de- 
bility with  a  remnant  of  the  inflammatory  exudation  to  be 
removed  or  organized  into  tissue,  or  when  an  abscess  has 


26  The  Farm^r'^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

developed  and  burst,  the  tonics  must  be  even  more  freely 
given,  the  mineral  acids  may  even  give  place  to  prepa- 
rations of  iron,  and  the  diet  must  be  made  increasingly 
liberal.  But  throughout  the  whole  progress  of  the  disease 
the  bowels  should  be  carefully  watched.  Costiveness  may 
quickly  undo  all  that  has  been  gained,  hence  any  indica- 
tion of  this  should  be  met  by  laxative  food  (boiled  flaxseed, 
etc.),  or,  this  failing,  by  injections  or  laxatives.  Similarly, 
if  a  freer  action  of  the  kidneys  seems  to  be  necessary  for 
elimination  of  waste  matters  or  to  reduce  fever,  diuretics 
should  be  continuously  kept  up. 

Tkeat]vient  of  Adynamic  Inflaivoiatiox  ajstd  Feyer.  In 
treating  low  asthenic  or  adynamic  inflammation  all  de- 
pression and  depletion  is  to  be  carefully  avoided.  Even 
laxatives  must  be  employed  with  extreme  caution.  If  ab- 
solutely necessary  it  is  best  to  give  them  in  small  (half) 
doses  and  supplement  their  action  by  liberal  injections  of 
hot  water.  Elimination  of  waste  matter  from  the  blood 
and  sj'stem  is  still  to  be  sought,  but  it  must  be  by  stimulat- 
ing diuretics  (sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  carbonate,  acetate,  or 
muriate  of  ammonia,  digitalis),  and  direct  stimidants  and 
tonics  must  be  given  from  the  first  (ammonia,  wine,  strong 
ale,  whisky,  brandy,  ether,  gentian,  calumba,  nux  vomica). 
For  the  horse  the  following  may  serve  as  an  example : 
^ .  Sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  four  ounces ;  sulphuric  ether,  two 
ounces;  tincture  of  gentian,  ten  ounces;  digitalis,  one  dram. 
Mix.  Dose,  two  ounces  in  a  pint  of  cool  water  four  times 
a  day.  When  there  is  great  debility  and  prostration,  am- 
moniacal  and  alcoholic  stimulants  must  be  given  freely, 
while  if  the  fever  heat  rises  very  unduly  the  cooling  diuretics 
(citrate,  tartrate,  or  acetate  of  potassa,  or  nitre,  etc.),  and 
even  sedatives  (bromide  of  potassium,  chloral  hydrate,  sa- 
licin,  salicylate  of  soda),  must  be  resorted  to.  In  weak  or 
prostrate  subjects  antipyrin  may  often  be  used  with  ad- 
vantage, as  in  moderate  doses  it  effectually  lowers  the  tem- 


LiflainmMion  and  Fever.  27 

perature  without  decreasing  the  force  of  the  circulation  or 
affecting  the  blood  injuriously.  If  there  is  any  indication 
of  a  special  depressing  poison  in  the  system,  or  of  the  ab- 
sorption of  septic  or  other  noxious  matter  from  a  wound, 
antiseptics  (hydrochloric  acid,  or  salicylic  acid,  sulphite  of 
soda,  quinia,  or  chlorate  of  potassa)  may  be  advantageously 
added  to  the  prescription. 

In  these  cases  of  asthenic  inflammation,  as  in  the  ad- 
vanced and  debilitated  stages  of  sthenic  inflammation,  the 
diet  should  be  as  good  as  the  patient  can  digest.  Boiled 
oats,  barley,  or  flaxseed,  rich,  well-boiled  gruels,  and  beef- 
tea  (even  for  herbivora)  may  frequently  be  resorted  to  with 
advantage. 

Local  Treatment  of  Inflammation.  In  all  foi-ms  of 
superficial  inflammation  the  local  treatment  occupies  an 
important  place.  The  persistent  application  of  cold  (cold 
water  in  a  stream,  ice-bags,  freezing  mixtures)  will  some- 
times overcome  the  tendency  to  inflammation  or  arrest 
it.  This  is  especially  sought  when  a  violent  inflamma- 
tion (as  in  a  wounded  joint)  threatens  to  destroy  an  im- 
portant organ.  If  adopted  it  must  be  persisted  in,  as  if 
it  is  suspended  too  soon  the  reaction  is  likely  to  make 
matters  worse  than  ever.  Cold  astringent  applications 
liave  a  similar  tendency.  Sugai-of  lead,  one-half  ounce ; 
laudanum,  one  ounce ;  water,  one  quart,  may  be  kept  ap- 
plied by  means  of  a  linen  bandage.  The  water  maj'  often 
be  advantageously  replaced  by  extract  of  wych-hazel.  If 
there  is  an  exposed  surface  the  lotion  may  be  made  slightly 
antiseptic  (carbolic  acid,  one  dram ;  or  sulphurous  acid 
solution,  five  ounces;  water,  one  quart).  Hot  applica- 
tions^ fomentations.,  poultices  are  nearly  always  appro- 
priate, and  when  adopted  should,  like  cold  ones,  be  kept  up 
as  continuously  as  possible.  These  soothe  alike  the  super- 
ficial and  deeper  parts,  the  latter  through  sympathy,  pro- 
ducing first  a  relaxation  of  vessels  and  tissues,  and  later  a 


28  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

contraction  of  the  former  attended  by  pallor  of  the  surface. 
They  greatly  favor  suppuration  wlien  that  is  already  inevita- 
ble, though  in  other  cases  they  may  obviate  it  by  checking 
at  an  early  stage  the  acute  inflammatory  process  on  which 
it  depends.  Any  bland  agent  that  will  retain  heat  and 
moisture  will  make  an  excellent  poultice,  though  flaxseed- 
meal  is  the  type  of  a  soothing  demulcent  application.  Ycry 
slight  inflammation  may  be  successfully  treated  at  the  out- 
set with  a  stimulating  enibrocation  (alcohol  or  camphorated 
spirit),  yet  in  the  more  violent  type  of  acute  inflammation 
all  local  excitants  tend  to  aggravate  the  disease.  In  these 
violent  forms  the  activity  of  the  disease  should  be  first 
abated  by  local  soothing  and  general  sedative  measures,  and 
then  the  part  over  the  inflamed  organ  may  be  safely 
treated  with  a  stimulating  liniment  or  even  a  blister.  In 
«$uch  cases  the  liniment  first  acts  as  a  derivative  of  blood 
and  nervous  energy  from  the  inflamed  part,  and  later  and 
still  more  beneficially  by  securing  in  it  a  sympathetic  heal- 
ing process,  like  that  set  up  in  the  skin.  In  raw  sores 
where  inflammation  has  been  set  up  the  granulations  may 
become  dropsical  or  excessive,  bulging  beyond  the  adjacent 
skin  as  i^roucl  flesh.  This  should  be  repressed  by  touching 
it  gentl}^  with  some  mild  caustic  (lunar  caustic),  so  as  to  pro- 
duce a  thin  white  film,  and  the  remote  cause  of  the  inflam- 
mation (often  a  local  irritant)  should  be  sought  and  removed. 
In  some  unhealthy  sores  tending  to  excessive  granulation, 
the  compound  tincture  of  myrrh  and  aloes  may  be  applied 
daily  with  great  benefit. 

Blistering.  In  subacute  and  chronic  inflammations  and 
in  those  acute  forms  in  which  the  violence  of  the  inflamma- 
tory action  has  been  already  subdued  by  soothing  measures, 
blisters  and  other  counter-irritants  may  be  employed  to 
counteract  the  remaining  inflammatory  action.  These  act 
primarily  by  drawing  off  blood  and  nervous  energy  from 
the  inflamed  organ  to  the  skin,  and  secondarily,  by  estab- 


Inflammation  and  Fever.  29 

lisliing  a  sympathetic  healing  process  in  the  diseased  part, 
simultaneously  with  the  work  of  recoverj^  in  the  skin,  when 
the  blister  has  spent  its  action.  But  if  applied  above  a  part 
which  is  still  violently  inflamed,  it  is  apt  to  seriously  aggra- 
vate that,  through  this  same  sympathy  with  the  part  suffer- 
ing under  the  rising  of  the  blister.  In  this  way  great 
and  irreparable  injury  is  often  done  through  the  laudations 
of  particular  blisters  for  the  cure  of  given  diseases,  without 
any  reference  to  the  stage  or  grade  of  such  disease.  The 
value  of  a  blister  depends  far  more  on  the  time  of  its  appli- 
cation than  on  the  ingredients  of  which  it  may  be  com- 
posed. A  simple  formula  is  as  follows :  Powdered  can- 
tharides,  2  drams  ;  morphine,  2  grains ;  lard,  1  ounce.  Mix. 
Cut  the  hair  close  to  the  skin  from  the  part  to  be  blistered, 
and  rub  in  for  two  or  three  minutes  against  the  direction  of 
the  hair.  The  ointment  must  be  rubbed  in  more  energeti- 
cally in  winter  than  in  summer,  when  the  circulation  in  the 
skin  is  freer  and  the  oleaginous  matters  remain  more  liquid 
and  penetrating.  For  cattle,  the  addition  of  one  dram 
of  oil  of  turpentine  will  usually  be  necessaiy.  For  sheep,  a 
mixture  of  equal  parts  of  strong  aqua  ammonia  and  olive- 
oil,  well  shaken  together,  and  rubbed  on  the  skin,  will  usu- 
ally suffice.     There  is  no  need  for  removal  of  the  wool. 

Firing.  This  acts  in  nearly  the  same  manner  as  a  blister, 
and  demands  similar  caution  in  its  application.  It  is  es- 
pecially available  in  subacute  and  chronic  diseases  of  the 
joints,  bones,  and  tendons,  and  may  be  made  more  or  less 
severe  according  to  the  nature  and  obstinacy  of  the  disease. 
It  is  applied  in  points  or  in  lines  at  intervals  of  one-half  to 
one  inch,  and  penetrating  one-third,  one-half,  or  entirely 
through  the  skin.  The  hotter  the  iron  the  less  the  pain, 
but  the  greater  the  danger  of  destruction  of  the  inter- 
vening skin  by  the  excess  of  radiating  heat.  Hence  the 
contact  of  the  heated  iron  with  any  one  part  must  be 
judiciously  graduated  to  the  heat  of  the  iron  and  the  deli- 


30  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

cacy  of  the  skin,  and  should  never  exceed  a  fraction  of  a 
second.  But  it  is  only  in  the  greatest  extremity  that  the 
stock-owner  should  himself  undertake  such  an  operation,  so 
that  any  lengthened  description  is  superfluous. 

Abscess.  The  treatment  of  abscess  consists  in  warm  poul- 
tices (flax-seed  meal,  wheat-bran,  boiled  carrots)  or  fomenta- 
tions in  the  early  stages,  to  hasten  and  perfect  suppuration, 
and  thus  to  dispose  of  the  superfluous  and  injurious  consol- 
idated lymph,  and  prevent  the  threatened  destruction  of 
tissue.  The  poultices  should  be  put  on  warm  (about  100°  F.) 
and  replaced  by  fresh  ones  when  they  have  become  soured 
or  dry.  Poulticing  should  be  kept  up  without  intermission 
till  the  hard  inflamed  mass  has  become  soft  and  fluctuating 
in  the  centre,  and,  indeed,  until  this  liquefaction  has  ex- 
tended throughout  its  whole  substance.  If  the  abscess  is 
deeply  seated,  it  may  be  desirable  to  continue  it  until  the 
superincumbent  layers  of  tissue  have  become  absorbed  and 
the  pus  is  felt  to  be  separated  from  the  air  onl}'  by  an  atten- 
uated layer  of  skin.  Then  it  is  opened  with  a  lancet  or 
sharp  knife  inserted  in  the  centre  of  the  thinnest  part,  where 
the  pressure  of  the  advancing  pus  has  pushed  all  impor- 
tant structures  aside,  so  that  incision  is  made  practically 
without  danger.  The  opening  should  be  large,  so  that  the 
finger,  previously  dipped  in  a  carbolic-acid  solution  (1  :  50)  or 
carbolated  vaseline  (1  :  20),  may  be  introduced  and  its  ex- 
tent ascertained.  Usually  the  opening  will  be  sufficiently 
low  to  secure  a  constant  and  free  drainage  of  all  pus  subse- 
quently formed  from  the  walls  of  the  abscess.  If,  however, 
sacs  exist  beneath  the  level  of  the  opening  in  which  the  pus 
must  collect,  then  the  incision  must  be  extended  in  a  down- 
ward direction  until  it  will  drain  such  sac  or  sacs.  If  tiiis 
would  produce  too  large  a  wound,  then  a  counter-opening 
should  be  made  leading  downward  and  outward  from  the 
lowest  part  of  the  sac.  For  this  purpose  a  curved  staff  is 
carried  to  the  lowest  part  of  the  abscess,  and  pressed  out- 


Injlammation  and  Fever,  31 

ward  so  as  to  project  under  tlie  skin,  and  cut  down  upon 
from  without.  In  doing  this  important  structures  are  largely 
pushed  aside,  yet  tliey  may  be  left  in  the  way  of  the  incis- 
ion, so  that  safety  demands  a  knowledge  of  the  parts  to  be 
cut.  More  than  one  opening  may  be  required  from  differ- 
ent dependent  sacs,  though  in  other  cases  such  sacs  may  be 
made  continuous,  and  be  drained  from  one  opening  by 
breaking  down  the  partitions  between  them.  Here  again 
there  is  danger,  as  arteries  and  nerves  sometimes  pass 
through  the  centre  of  an  abscess,  and  dangerous  bleeding 
or  paralysis  may  follow  their  division. 

If  the  lower  or  drainage- opening  from  an  abscess  is  neces- 
sarily small,  or  so  compressed  by  adjacent  structures  as  to 
interrupt  the  free  and  constant  flow  of  pus,  a  drainage-tube 
of  perforated  caoutchouc,  or  a  bunch  of  horse-hair  or  silk, 
should  be  inserted  to  secure  a  perfect  discharge.  Such 
agents  should  be  clean  and  dipped  in  a  solution  of  cai'bolic 
acid  (1  :  50)  before  insertion.  When  the  sac  has  become 
obliterated  by  contraction  of  its  walls  the  canal  of  discharge 
may  be  allowed  to  heal  gradually,  from  within  outward,  by 
withdrawing  the  drainage-tube  a  little  day  by  day,  cutting 
off  the  projecting  portion,  and  allowing  the  canal  to  close 
behind  it. 

When  poultices  appear  insufficient  to  precipitate  suppura- 
tion, more  stinmlating  applications  may  at  times  be  adopted. 
Bh'sters  at  times  succeed,  but  there  is  a  danger  (especially 
great  in  specific  phlegmons  like  those  of  strangles)  that  they 
may  drive  back  the  inflammatory^  products  to  form  in  other 
organs,  perhaps  deep-seated  and  vital  ones.  The  common 
domestic  remedy  of  sugar  and  soap  is  more  certain  and  safe, 
or  it  may  be  replaced  by  a  mixture  of  salt,  soap,  and  crude 
Canada  balsam. 


CHAPTER  II. 

CONTAGIOUS  AND  EPIZOOTIC  DISEASES. 

Their  importance  and  classification.  Germs  the  cause  of  plagues.  Purely 
contagious  diseases  preventible.  Propagation  of  disease-germs  outside  the 
animal  body.  General  characters  of  micro-organisms  causing  disease.  Form 
inconstant  in  different  media.  Viability  of  bacterium  and  spore.  What 
they  eat,  breathe,  and  excrete.  Alkaloids  and  ferments.  Antagonism  be- 
tween bacteria  and  blood -globules  and  tissue-nuclei.  Relative  susceptibility 
of  blood,  lymph,  and  solid  organ.  Effects  of  acid  and  alkaline  media,  of 
light,  electricity,  heat,  cold.  Fecundity  of  bacteria.  List  of  bacteria  pro- 
ducing animal  diseases.  Rendering  animals  insusceptible  to  a  plague. 
Direct  cause  of  acquired  immunity.  Exhaustion  theory.  Antidotal  theory. 
Condensation  theory.  Vital  resistance.  Immunity  by  good  hygiene  ;  by 
tonics  and  anti-ferments  ;  by  a  first  attack  ;  by  inducing  a  mild  type  of  the 
plague  ;  by  inoculation  of  a  closely  related  disease  ;  by  inoculation  of  a 
minimum  amount  of  virus  ;  by  arrest  of  the  disease  while  still  local — anti- 
septic ;  by  inoculation  in  an  unimportant  organ  ;  by  inoculation  in  the  veins  ; 
by  inoculation  with  germs  weakened  by  passing  through  another  genus  of  ani- 
mal ;  by  inoculation  with  germs  weakened  by  cultivation  in  special  media  ; 
by  inoculation  with  germs  grown  for  long  in  free  contact  with  air  ;  by 
inoculation  with  germs  weakened  by  condensed  oxygen  ;  by  inoculation  with 
germs  Weakened  by  long  rest  in  free  air  ;  by  inoculation  with  the  sterilized 
products  of  germs.  Advantages  of  the  use  of  sterilized  virus.  Drawbacks. 
Limitation  of  protection  by  sterilized  products.  Radical  extinction  of  plagues. 
Measures  for  extinction  of  a  prevailing  plague.  To  exclude  an  animal 
plague  from  a  country.     Disinfection. 

These  are  among  tlie  most  important  of  the  whole  range 
of  diseases  of  animals,  being  the  most  destructive  to  the 
animals  themselves  and  in  many  cases  to  man,  and  being  at 
the  same  time,  as  a  rule,  preventible  by  a  rigid  adherence 
to  sanitary  laws.  Of  their  devastations  we  have  the  most 
appalling  accounts  in  the  records  of  antiquity  as  well  as  in 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  33 


recent  times.  In  the  time  of  Moses  they  ravaged  Egypt 
until,  says  the  record,  "  all  the  cattle  of  Egypt  died  ;  "  nor 
was  man  spared,  for  "  boils  and  blains  "  broke  out  on  man 
and  beast. — Ex.  IX.  3.  At  the  siege  of  Troy  the  Grecian 
arm}^  was  decimated  by  a  similar  infliction,  animals  and  men 
perishing  in  a  common  destruction. — Iliad.  So  it  has  been 
down  through  the  ages,  the  great  extension  of  the  plagues 
being  usually  determined  by  general  wars  and  the  accumu- 
lation of  cattle  drawn  from  all  sources  (infected  and  sound) 
into  the  commissariat  parks.  In  the  first  half  of  the 
eighteenth  century  it  is  estimated  that  200,000,000  head  of 
cattle  perished  in  Europe  in  connection  with  the  Austrian 
wars.  These  plagues  again  entered  Italy  in  1793  with  the 
Austrian  troops,  and  in  three  years  carried  off  3,000,000  to 
4,000,000  cattle  in  that  peninsula.  More  recently,  rapid 
railroad  and  steamboat  traffic  and  extended  commerce  have 
taken  the  place  of  war  in  favoring  their  diffusion.  Free 
trade  between  England  and  the  Continent  since  1842  has 
cost  the  former  $450,000,000  in  thirty  years,  and  as  much  as 
$40,000,000  in  1865-66  during  the  prevalence  of  the  Rin- 
derpest. A  similar  importation  cost  Egypt  300,000  head  of 
cattle  (nearly  the  whole  stock  of  the  country)  in  1842,  and 
others  have  caused  ruinous  but  unestimated  losses  in  Aus- 
tralia, Cape  of  Good  Hope,  and  South  America.  On  the 
other  hand,  some  of  the  most  exposed  countries  of  Europe, 
Norway,  Sweden,  Denmark,  Schleswig-Holstein,  Olden- 
burg, Mecklenburg,  and  Switzerland  have  long  kept  clear  of 
these  plagues  by  the  simple  expedient  of  excluding  all  in- 
fected animals  or  their  products,  and  promptly  stamping 
out  the  disease  by  the  slaughter  of  the  sick,  followed  by 
thorough  disinfection,  when  they  have  been  accidentally  in- 
troduced. Exclusively  breeding  districts,  in  Spain,  Portu- 
gal, Normandy,  and  the  Scottish  Highlands,  into  which  no 
strange  cattle  are  ever  imported,  also  keep  clear  of  nearly 
all  of  these  destructive  pestilences. 
3 


34  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

It  is  unquestionable  that  the  animal  plagues  are  propa- 
gated, in  Western  Europe  and  America,  only  by  the  disease- 
germs  produced  in  countless  myriads  in  the  body  of  a  dis- 
eased animal  and  conveyed  from  that  to  the  healthy.  It 
follows  that  the  destruction  of  the  infected  subjects  and  the 
thorough  disinfection  of  the  carcass,  manure,  buildings,  etc., 
is  the  most  economical  treatment  of  all  the  more  fatal  forms 
of  contagious  disease  in  live  stock.  For  the  less  fatal  forms, 
the  most  perfect  separation  and  seclusion,  and  the  thorough 
disinfection  of  all  with  which  they  have  come  in  contact 
is  still  imperative. 

To  the  first  class  of  exotic  maladies  belong :  Small-jpox  in 
sheep  and  birds,  the  hcng-plagtte  or  contagious  pleuro- 
pneumonia of  cattle,  the  Rinderpest  or  cattle-plague,  the 
7nalignant  disease  of  the  generative  organs  in  solipeds,  and 
malignant  cholera  in  all  animals.  These  demand  separa- 
tion, destruction,  and  disinfection.  To  the  second  or  less 
fatal  class  of  exotic  maladies  belongs  the  Aphthous  fever  or 
foot  and  mouth  disease.  This  demands  seclusion  and  dis- 
infection. 

Beside  these  maladies,  that  are  foreign  to  our  soil  and 
which  are  not  to  be  feared  except  as  the  result  of  importa- 
tion from  abroad  and  subsequent  transmission  by  contagion, 
there  is  a  very  important  class  which,  though  perhaps  not 
generated  in  America,  are  widely  disseminated  over  the 
continent  and  spread  by  contagion.  Among  these  may  be 
named :  Glanders  and  farcy,  canine  madness,  contagious 
foot-rot,  tuherculosis,  hacillar  anthrax,  vihrionic  (emphy- 
sem.atous)  anthrax,  Texan-fever,  swine-plague,  influenza, 
strangles,  ca^iine  distemper,  and  perhaps  the  variola  or  pox 
of  horse,  cow,  goat,  pig,  and  dog.  All  of  these  down  to 
swine-plague,  like  foreign  contagious  affections,  demand 
separation  and  disinfection,  with  destruction  or  not  of  the 
diseased,  according  to  the  severity  and  diffusibility  of  the 
particular  malady.    The  remaindej-,  from  influenza  onward, 


Contagioits  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  35 

are  either  too  mild  to  warrant  such  measures,  or  too  easily 
spread  to  be  satisfactorily  controlled  by  them. 

GEKMS  THE  CAUSE  OF  PLAGUES. 

Since  the  above  was  written  the  demonstration  of  the  es- 
sential causes  of  a  number  of  these  plagues  in  microscopical 
vegetable  ferments  (microphytes)  has  practically  opened  a 
new  field  in  pathology,  prevention,  and  treatment.  When  a 
plague  is  found  to  be  due  to  seed  sown  in  a  susceptible 
animal  system,  such  seed  being  not  a  product  of  the 
animal  body,  but  derived  from  a  different  kingdom  (the 
Yegetable),  and  introduced  from  without  the  economy,  it 
follows  that  every  case  of  such  disease  implies  that  the  body 
of  the  animal  victim  has  been  seeded  for  that  particular 
crop  as  a  field  is  for  wheat,  barley,  or  rye,  and  in  both  cases 
alike  the  seed  sown  has  come  from  a  preceding  crop  and 
a  preceding  sowing.  The  parallel  may  be  put  thus  :  j^o 
seed  =  no  wheat;  no  genn  =  no  plague. 

PURELY   CONTAGIOUS   DISEASES   PKEVENTIBLE   WITH   CERTAINTY. 

The  moment  we  apprehend  the  fact  that  a  particular 
plague  is  essentially  dependent  for  its  existence  on  a  specific 
germ,  we  are  compelled  to  the  conclusion  that  it  is  quite 
possible  to  prevent  the  spread  of  such  a  disease  and  to  ex- 
tirpate it  from  a  country  in  which  it  has  already  gained  a 
foothold.  If  at  a  given  date  all  English  sparrows  on  the 
American  continent  were  destroyed,  we  would  be  rid  of  the 
race  until  specimens  were  again  imported.  So  with  a  plague 
caused  by  a  vegetable  germ  ;  let  all  plague-stricken  animals 
and  all  the  living  disease-germs  be  destroyed,  and  the  plague 
would  be  certainly  abolished.  Ordinary  hygiene  makes  no 
such  radical  extinction  of  a  plague.  Clean,  airy,  wholesome 
surroundings  retard  the  progress  of  a  plague  and  favor  the 
production  of  a  milder  type  of  the  malady,  but  they  allow 
the  preservation  of  the  germ,  ready  to  resume  all  its  pristine 


36  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

violence  when  conditions  are  favorable.  As  a  field  of  wheat 
suffers  alike  in  quantity  and  quality  from  poor  soil  and  lack 
of  cultivation,  manure,  rain,  sunshine,  and  heat,  but  in  spite 
of  all  brings  to  maturity  a  seed  for  a  future  crop,  so  the 
plague-germ  languishes  somewhat  when  the  animal  systems 
and  their  surroundings  do  not  favor  its  propagation,  yet  it 
does  not  perish,  but  from  the  mild  case  it  advances  to  the 
more  severe  and  deadly  whenever  the  circumstances  become 
more  favorable.  As  an  instance  of  the  obstinate  vitality  of 
the  disease-germ,  we  see  that  in  an  uninterrupted  open-air 
life,  in  a  land  of  perpetual  summer,  the  lung-plague  of  cattle 
advanced  more  rapidly,  proved  more  deadly,  and  defied 
human  control  more  successfully  on  the  grassy  plains  of 
Australia  and  South  Africa  than  in  any  other  part  of  the 
globe. 

JSTo  measure  less  radical  than  the  destruction  of  every  dis- 
eased animal  and  its  infecting  products  will  furnish  a 
guarantee  of  the  permanent  extinction  of  plagues  spread  by 
living  vegetable  germs  onlj^,  but  in  all  such  plagues  the  de- 
struction of  the  gei-m  gives  a  perfect  assurance  of  this  re- 
sult, and  is  the  bounden  duty  of  the  Government. 

PROPAGATION    OF   DISEASE-GERMS    OUTSIDE    THE   ANIMAL    BODY. 

The  absolute  destruction  of  disease-germs  and  the  extinc- 
tion of  the  corresponding  plagues  is  limited  by  the  fact  that 
the  germs  of  certain  maladies  live  and  increase  out  of  the 
animal  body.  Prominent  among  these  may  be  named  the 
germs  of  anthrax,  typhoid  fever,  yellow  fever,  and  cholera, 
which  increase  not  only  in  numbers,  but  often  in  deadliness 
as  well,  in  sewers,  cesspools,  dung-heaps,  filth-saturated 
soils,  and  undrained  impervious  ground  which  is  rich  in  de- 
composing organic  matter.  Where  a  germ  of  a  given  plague 
is  permanently  domiciled  in  a  soil  favorable  to  its  preserva- 
tion and  growth  it  is  manifest  that  the  disposal  of  sick  aiii- 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  3  7 

mals  and  the  disinfection  of  tlieir  products  will  not  eradicate 
the  disease  from  the  locality.  It  must  be  also  destroyed  in 
the  soil  as  well,  and  fortunately  this  can  sometimes  be  done 
by  thorough  di-ainage,  exposure  to  the  air,  and  prolonged 
and  thorough  cultivation. 

Most  of  the  disease-germs  heretofore  discovered  have  been 
cultivated  in  carefully  sechided  glass  vessels,  in  animal 
liquids  (soups,  etc.),  or  on  semi-solid  organic  bodies  (pep- 
tonized gelatine,  etc.),  showing  very  clearly  the  possibility 
of  survival  outside  the  animal  body.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
history  of  certain  animal  plagues  (Rinderpest,  lung-plague, 
glanders,  small-pox)  furnishes  no  instance  of  the  outbreak 
of  the  disease  without  a  pre-existing  case  as  a  direct  cause, 
but  gives  numerous  examples  in  which,  after  the  immunity 
of  a  given  country  for  a  great  length  of  time,  a  specific 
plague  has  been  imported  from  without  and  has  thereafter 
spread  with  almost  unprecedented  severity.  In  such  cases, 
even  where  the  soil  is  favorable  to  the  preservation  and 
multiplication  of  the  germ,  it  is  still  necessary  first  to  im- 
plant the  seeds,  as  it  was  necessary  to  go  abroad  for  the 
seeds  of  the  thistle  which  now  grows  so  luxuriantly  in  many 
of  our  fields. 

It  follows  that,  instead  of  abandoning  all  effort  for  the  ex- 
tinction of  plagues,  the  germs  of  which  can  increase  in  the 
soil,  etc.,  we  should  avail  of  every  means  of  excluding  their 
seeds  from  our  shores,  or,  if  they  have  already  gained  a 
foothold,  we  should  prevent  them  from  spreading  and  con- 
taminating new  soils,  and  thus  multiplying  the  permanent 
centers  of  infection. 

GENERAL    CHARACTEKS     OF     THE      MICROPHYTES     CAUSING     DIS- 
EASE. 

The  germs  that  determine  specific  diseases  in  animals 
nearly  all  belong  to  the  lowest  order  of  vegetable  life,  known 
as.  Bacteria^  Schizqphytes,  Schizomycetes^  or  Microhia.     As 


38  The  Farmer* s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

found  in   the   animal   fluids  these   may   be   distinguished 
(after  Du  Barj)  as  follows: 

I.  Aspo7'e(B.     That  don't  form  Spores. 
1.  Cocci.     Round  or  ovoid  cells. 

a.  Micrococcus.     Yery  minute  round  or  ovoid  cells  ; 
singly,    in    chains,    or   in    formless    gelatinous 
masses. 
h.  Macrococcus  or  "  Monas."     Larger  round  or  ovoid 
cells. 

c.  Diplococcus.     Cells  in  pairs. 

d.  Staphylococcus.     Cells  in  groups. 

e.  Streptococcus.     Cells  in  fine  chains. 

f.  Sarcinse.     Cells  in  cubes  of  four  or  eight. 
g.  Ascococcus.     Cells  in  larger  irregular  colonies  or 
groups. 
II.  Arthrosporece.     Form  Spores — by  segmentation. 
a.  Bacterium.     Short  rods. 

h.  Leptotlirix.      Rodlike  cells  remaining  united   in 
ver}^  fine  filaments. 

c.  Cladothrix.     Filaments  with  apparent  branching. 

d.  Spirochfete.     Long  flexible  sinuous  filaments. 
III.  Endosporeoe.     Form  Spores  within  the  mother  cell. 

a.  Bacillus.    Filament  short,  straight,  or  bent ;  rigid, 

with  distinct  joints. 
h.  Vibrio.     Wavy,  very  flexible  filament. 
c.   Spirillum.     Short  spiral  rigid  filament. 

Many  microphytes  are  furnished  with  delicate  mobile 
filaments  by  which  they  move  actively  in  spite  of  their 
rigid  forms,  and  whip  into  active  motion  small  bodies  (cells, 
granules)  in  their  vicinity. 

The  form  and  mobility  of  microphytes  are  by  no  means 
constant.  The  rigid  bacillus  may,  in  different  media  out  of 
the  body,  grow  out  into  long  waving  branches,  forming 
spores,  and  even  into  beautiful  net- works.     Organisms,  too, 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  39 

wliicli  at  one  stage  of  their  existence  are  perfectly  motion- 
less, are  at  other  stages  endowed  with  powers  of  active 
movement.  The  spores,  like  dried  grain  as  compared  with 
the  cereal  plant,  have  a  greatly  enhanced  vitality,  can  sur- 
vive indefinitely  without  change,  and  in  some  cases  resist 
even  a  boiling  temperatm-e  for  a  length  of  time. 

All  bacteria  live  upon  organic  matter,  and  some  use  up  a 
large  amount  of  oxygen  by  way  of  respiration — the  amrobia 
of  Pasteur.  Others  can  adapt  themselves  to  a  comparative 
privation  of  oxygen,  and  some,  it  would  appear,  can  live  alto- 
gether apart  from  the  air,  obtaining  the  oxygen  necessary 
to  their  existence  from  the  decomposition  of  the  nitroge- 
nous animal  or  vegetable  substances  on  which  they  feed  : 
Tliese  last  are  the  ancerohia  of  Pasteur.  A  large  class  of 
the  air-breathing  bacteria  are  mere  scavengers  (saprophytes) 
feeding  upon  decomposing  organic  matters  and  resolving 
tlieir  component  parts  into  carbon  dioxide  and  other  simple 
bodies  which  constitute  food  for  plants.  Thus  they  exer- 
cise a  most  important  function  in  nature,  in  transforming 
into  plant-food  the  products  of  vegetables  and  animals  which 
would  otherwise  accumulate  in  endless  quantity.  A  fer- 
menting manure-heap  or  a  decomposing  carcass  or  plant  is 
a  grand  exhibition  of  this  beneficent  work,  and  the  nitrifi- 
cation in  soils  is  equally  the  work  of  these  invisible  servants 
of  nature. 

The  products  of  bacteria  growth  are  very  numerous  and 
vary  mucli  with  the  species  and  the  medium  in  which  they 
grow.  Tlie  products  of  those  growing  in  free  air  are,  how- 
ever, usually  simple  and  comparatively  harmless,  while  those 
that  have  only  a  limited  suppl}^  of  air  and  that  obtain  their 
oxygen  by  breaking  up  nitrogenous  matters  are  usually,  in 
part  at  least,  more  complex  in  chemical  composition  .and  are 
more  likely  to  prove  poisonous.  Thus  it  is  that  disease- 
germs  increase  in  virulence  and  in  their  fatal  power  after 
they  have  been  grown  for  several  generations  in  the  tissues 


40  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  animals  witli  a  very  limited  supply  of  air  ;  and  thus,  too,  it 
is  that  some  maintain  and  even  increase  their  infectiousness 
when  grown  in  organic  matter  out  of  the  body,  but  apart 
from  the  action  of  the  atmosphere;  for  example,  in  close 
spaces  beneath  barn  floors,  in  cesspools,  closed  drains,  in 
privy- vaults,  in  graves,  in  dense  or  clay  soils,  in  marshy 
ground,  and  in  soils  rich  in  organic  matter  and  in  which  the 
gases  resulting  from  decomposition  drive  out  the  air.  (See 
Author's  article  in  Xew  York  Medical  Record  for  June 
18,  1881). 

FlUgge  gives  the  following  list  of  the  chief  products  of  bac- 
teria :  "  Gases,  as  COo,  H,  CH4,  HoS,  NH3 ;  loater  ;  sidjphur  ; 
volatile  bodies^  such  as  trimethylamin,  alcohol,  formic  acid, 
acetic  acid,  butyric  acid ;  fixed  acids,  as  lactic  acid,  malic 
acid,  succinic  acid,  oxalic  acid,  tartaric  acid  ;  sulpho-acids,  as 
taurin,  amides  of  the  fatty  acids,  especially  leucin,  alanin, 
etc. ;  bodies  of  the  aromatic  series,  as  tyrosin,  phenol,  cresol ; 
reduction  products,  as  indol,  hydroparacumaric  acid  ;  com- 
plex molecuUs,  as  carbohydrates,  pepton,  hydrolytic  fer- 
ments; finally,  coloring  ^natters  and  poisotio  us  alkaloid 
substances  y^ 

Of  these  the  simplest  bodies,  at  the  head  of  which  are 
the  gases,  are  especially  the  products  of  bacterial  growth  in 
free  air,  and  these,  under  the  circumstances  of  their  pro- 
duction, are  usually  harmless  to  the  animal  organism.  The 
more  elaborate  and  complex  bodies,  however,  represented 
especially  by  the  poisonous  alkaloids  and  the  hydrolytic 
ferments,  are,  par  excellence,  the  product  of  bacteria  growth 
in  albuminoid  substances,  and  in  comparative  absence  of  air ; 
and  these  are  the  products  wliicli  are  especially  poisonous 
to  the  animal  organism.  In  attacking  the  animal  economy, 
and  above  all  the  living  cells  of  the  lymph,  blood,  and  tis- 
sues, the  alkaloid  and  other  poisons  destroy  their  life,  or  at 
least  impair  their  vital  powers,  so  that  they  can  no  longer 
with  sufiScient  force  exercise  their  own  protective  power  of 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  41 

digesting  and  assimilating  sucli  organic  matter  as  is  pre- 
sented to  them,  and  in  this  weakened  state  they  are  readily 
acted  upon  by  the  hydrolytic  ferment  of  the  bacterium  and 
reduced  to  a  sohible  product  which  the  bacterium  can  take 
into  its  substance  and  assimilate.  This  explains  why  so 
many  bacteria  can  grow  in  the  animal  tissues  that  can  not 
grow  in  the  blood.  In  the  solid  tissue  the  cell  is  fixed  and 
immovable,  and  nmst  sustain  the  whole  force  of  the  undi- 
luted bacteria  product  (alkaloid  and  ferment).  If  at  all 
susceptible  to  these,  it  is  therefore  liable  to  succumb.  But 
in  the  circulating  blood,  the  constantly  moving  liquid  speed- 
ily dilutes  and  weakens  the  bacteria  poisons,  so  as  to  fre- 
quently render  them  harmless,  and  meanwhile  the  bacteria 
themselves  are  constantly  assailed  by  new  streams  of  the 
digesting  product  of  the  blood-globules,  and  are  nearly 
always  weakened  or  even  digested  by  the  blood-globules. 
Hence,  too,  the  preference  shown  by  the  disease-producing 
bacteria  for  the  lymphatic  system  over  the  blood.  In  the 
lymphatic  system  the  circulation  is  slow,  especially  in  the 
microscopic  net-works  in  which  the  lymphatics  oi-iginate  in 
the  tissues,  and  in  the  glands  in  which  the  lymph  is  delayed 
and  its  cells  multiplied.  Here,  accordingly,  we  have  a  con- 
dition approximating  to  that  of  the  cells  in  the  solid  tis- 
sues. The  comparatively  stagnant  Ij^mph-cells  in  the  radical 
net- works  and  glands  are  attacked  by  the  concentrated  poi- 
sons of  the  bacteria,  no  longer  diluted  and  weakened  by  the 
active  circulation  of  liquid  that  takes  place  in  the  blood- 
vessels, and  the  bacteria,  living  and  multiplying  at  their  ex- 
pense, invade  the  surrounding  tissue  as  well,  and  can  per- 
haps after  a  time  carry  their  invasion  even  into  the  blood 
with  good  prospect  of  success.  It  should  be  noted  that 
even  in  the  solid  tissues  an  attempt  is  made  to  meet  and 
conquer  the  invading  army  of  bacteria.  As  soon  as  the 
irritant  products  begin  to  act  on  the  tissue,  inflammation  is 
set  up  and  large  numbers  of  the  white  globules  of  the  blood 


42  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

are  passed  out  of  the  vessels,  into  the  affected  tissue, 
and  meanwhile  the  original  fixed  cells  of  that  tissue  also 
undergo  a  rapid  multiplication,  so  that  the  inflamed  part 
soon  becomes  a  centre  of  extraordinarily  active  cell-growth. 
In  many  cases  the  defence  is  successful  and  the  invading 
bacteria  are  devoui-ed  or  thrown  off  in  a  mass  of  pus,  or  in 
a  circumscribed  slough.  In  others,  the  accumulating  cells 
which  constitute  the  army  of  defence  sink  under  the  lethal 
power  of  the  bacteria  products,  and  the  bacteria  invasion  is 
carried  into  the  entire  system. 

That  bacteria  attack  the  vital  powers  in  other  ways  is 
undoubted.  The  production  of  the  poisons  above  named, 
by  the  decomposition  of  the  albuminoid  tissues  of  the  body, 
implies  the  destruction  of  these  important  tissues,  the  im- 
pairment of  function  and  of  the  strength,  and,  it  niay  be, 
death  or  long-standing  debility.  In  other  cases,  as  in  the 
case  of  the  Bacillus  anthracis,  they  abstract  oxygen  from  the 
red  blood-globules,  and  reduce  the  blood  to  a  venous  con- 
dition in  which  it  can  no  longer  nourish  the  body  nor 
maintain  the  vital  functions,  and  hence  speedy  death  is  the 
rule  in  that  infection.  In  still  other  cases,  illustrated  again 
by  the  Bacillus  anthracis,  the  bacteria  accumulate  in  the 
lymph-  and  blood-vessels  in  such  numbers  as  to  block  the 
vessels  and  stop  circulation  in  the  part  affected,  and  bring 
about  a  corresponding  train  of  evil  consequences. 

Wyssokowitsch  found  that,  in  case  of  a  survival  of  bacteria 
injected  into  the  blood,  they  passed  in  part  into  the  white 
blood-globules,  and  were  arrested  mainly  in  the  liver,  spleen, 
kidney,  and  marrow  of  bone ;  unless,  indeed,  the  particular 
germ  had  a  predilection  for  a  special  organ.  In  these  dif- 
ferent organs  they  had  passed  into  the  cells  (endothelial) 
lining  the  capillary  blood-vessels.  He  even  attributes  the 
prolonged  latency  of  certain  contagious  diseases  to  the  lodg- 
ment of  the  germs  in  an  inactive  condition  for  a  length  of 
time  in  these  endothelial  cells.     This,  however,  lacks  con- 


Coiitacjwxis  and  Epizootic  Diseases,  43 

firniation,  and  is  rather  improbable,  considering  the  assimi- 
lating power  of  the  animal  cell. 

It  remains  to  be  noted  that  other  conditions  than  the 
presence  and  absence  of  air  (oxygen)  affect  the  develop- 
ment and  pathogenic  power  of  the  bacteria. 

Thus,  as  the  animal  fluids  generally  are  alkaline{t\\e  secre- 
tion of  the  stomach  and  contents  of  the  large  intestine  ex- 
cepted), the  bacteria  that  live  in  them  are  those  adapted  to 
an  alkaline  medium,  and  are  at  once  debilitated  or  killed 
by  being  placed  in  an  acid  medium.  Hence,  most  patho- 
genic bacteria,  taken  in  with  the  food,  are  either  killed  or 
rendered  harmless  by  passing  through  the  acid  stomach,  and 
those  only  successfully  run  this  gauntlet  that  are  taken  in  in 
the  condition  of  spores,  or  that  pass  through  during  an  at- 
tack of  gastric  indigestion,  when  the  acid  is  defective.  For 
the  same  reason  these  bacteria  require,  for  their  survival 
out  of  the  body,  a  medium  (soil,  fermenting  heap)  that  is 
naturally  alkaline  by  reason  of  the  presence  of  lime,  or  by 
the  artificial  production  of  ammonia,  which  is  so  constant  a 
product  of  fermentative  decomposition.  The  saturation  of 
the  fermenting  mass,  therefore,  with  a  powerful  acid,  not 
only  checks  the  alkaline  fermentation  but  also  usually  disin- 
fects the  mass  if  infectious  germs  are  present. 

Light,  too,  has  a  marked  influence  on  bacteria  growth, 
the  disease-producing  forms  being  especially  those  that 
thrive  in  darkness,  while  their  virulence  is  more  or  less  im- 
paired by  exposure  to  sunlight.  Hence  the  great  value  of 
light  as  well  as  of  oxygen  as  a  means  of  purification  and  dis- 
infection. 

Electricity,  too,  has  a  potent  influence  on  their  develop- 
ment, though  it  seems  to  act  differently  according  to  the  par- 
ticular kind  of  germ  and  the  strength  of  the  electric  current. 
Thus  everyone  knows  the  effect  of  a  thunder-storm  in  rap- 
idly souring  milk,  a  process  which  is  directly  caused  by  the 
Bacillus  lactis  ;  and  the  rapid  decay  of  vegetables,  and  even 


44  TJie  Fanner's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  eggs,  the  result  of  the  action  of  various  bacteria,  is  equally 
familiar.  Yet  Dubois  shows  that  the  effect  of  a  strong 
electric  current  is  fatal  to  the  Micrococcus  prodigiosus. 

Heat  is  another  important  agency.  Each  bacterium  has 
a  given  range  of  temperature  within  which  its  propagation 
is  most  active.  All  excepting  those  that  have  produced 
spores  are  destroyed  by  exposure  to  a  high  temperature — 
from  that  of  boiling  water  down.  Different  spores  will  re- 
sist boiling  for  different  periods. 

Cold  arrests  the  growth  of  bacteria,  but  does  not  neces- 
sarily kill  them,  many  reviving  after  prolonged  freezing. 
Plague-generating  bacteria  that  are  destroyed  by  cold  pro- 
duce those  plagues  which,  like  cholera,  Texas  cattle  fever,  and 
yellow  fever,  do  not  survive  the  winter  in  northern  latitudes. 

The  possibility  of  the  action  of  bacteria  for  evil  may  be 
deduced  from  their  power  of  rapid  increase  in  suitable  sur- 
roundings. They  multiply  their  numbers  by  fission — one 
enlarp-inof  and  dividiua;  into  two,  and  thus  some  of  them 
can,  under  favorable  conditions,  double  their  numbers  every 
hour.  A  single  bacterium  increasing  at  this  rate  would,  in 
twenty-four  hours,  have  produced  10,777,216.  These,  again, 
multiplying  at  the  same  rate  would,  at  the  end  of  twenty- 
four  hours  more,  amount  to  282,584,976,710,656.  A  single 
Bacterium  termo  (of  putrefaction),  one-thousandth  of  a 
millimeter  in  diameter  and  a  five-hundredth  of  a  millimeter 
in  length,  would  produce  in  forty-eight  hours  a  sufficient 
progeny  to  nearly  fill  a  half-pint  measure.  The  increase 
attained  in  five  days  at  the  same  rate  is  so  enormous  that 
to  state  it  would  only  arouse  incredulity.  The  curious  can 
calculate  it  for  himself,  doubling  the  product  every  hour. 

Fortunately  for  the  world  the  bacteria  cannot  find  such 
opportunities  for  unrestricted  increase,  but  they  perish  in 
unlimited  numbers  by  starvation,  by  the  action  of  light, 
heat,  cold,  oxygen,  electricity,  chemical  poisons,  by  the  ac- 
tion of  other  living  oi-ganisms,  and  even  by  preying  on  each 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  45 

other,  so  that  their  numbers  are  generally  kept  within  benef- 
icent bounds.  In  the  case,  however,  of  those  that  can  live 
in  animal  and  vegetable  bodies,  the  limit  is  manifestly  set 
by  the  number  of  such  susceptible  bodies  furnished  ready 
to  be  attacked.  Hence  the  danger  of  a  plague  is  always 
proportionate  to  tlie  number  of  live-stock  susceptible  to  it, 
and  with  continual  intercourse  between  these  there  can  be 
no  limit  to  the  rapid  progress,  the  extent,  and  the  deadly 
effects  of  the  infection. 

LIST   OF   DISEASE-PRODUCING   BACIERIA. 

Tlie  following  is  a  partial  list  of  the  bacteria  found  in 
diseased  states  in  animals  : 

Micrococcus.     Round  or  Ovoid  Bacteria. 
Micrococcus  Vaccinae  in  Cow-pox  and  Ilorse-pox. 

"  Yarioloe  Ovinae  in  Sheep-pox. 

**'  Ureae  in  Ammoniacal  Urine  (Cystitis). 

"  of  Erysipelas. 

"  "  Ulcerative  Endocarditis. 

"  "  Croupous  Pneumonia  in  Horse  (Pneumo- 

coccus). 

"  "  Lung-plague  in  Cattle. 

"  "  Suppuration. 

"  "  Septic  Wounds. 

"  '*  Gangrenous  Wounds. 

"  "  Fowl  Cholera. 

"  "  Diphtheria. 

Diplococcus  of  Swine  Plague. 
Sarcina  Ventriculi  of  Stomach. 
"       Urinae  of  Bladder. 

Bacterium.     Short  Bods. 
Bacterium  Syncyanum  (Cyanogens)  in  Blue  Milk. 

"  Synzanthinum  (Zanthogens)  in  Yellow  Milk. 

"         CEruginosum  in  Red  Milk. 


46  Th^  Farmer* s  Yeterinary  Adviser. 

Lejptothrix.     Filaments  of  Connected  very  Small  Cells. 
Leptothrix  Buccalis  of  Month  and  Carious  Teeth. 

"  Yaginse    of   Generative   Organs   in   Enzootic 

Abortion  in  Cattle. 


Bacillus.     Straight  or 

Bent  Filaments. 

Bacillus  Anthracis  in  Anthrax 

of  Malignant  (Edema 

in  Horse. 

"  Glanders. 

"  Tuberculosis. 

"  Septicaemia. 

"  Swine  Plague. 

"        "  Carious  Teeth. 
"        "  Leprosy. 

Vibrio.     Linear^  Wavy^  Flexible  Filament. 
Yibrio  of  Emphysematous  Anthrax  (Black  quarter). 
"       "  Cholera  (Comma  Bacillus,  Koch). 

Sjpirillum.     Spiral^  Rigid  Filam.ent. 
Spirillum  of  Relapsing  Fever  of  Horse  ("  Surrge"). 
"  "  Milk-sickness. 

"  "  Gums  and  Teeth  (Spirochsete  Cohni). 

RENDERING  ANIMALS  INSUSCEPTIBLE  TO  A  PLAGUE. 

So  much  has  been  done  of  late  in  the  direction  of  pro- 
tecting the  individual  animal  against  a  contagious  disease 
by  reducing  its  susceptibility  thereunto,  that  it  seems  needful 
to  furnish  a  short  general  statement  of  the  various  processes 
adopted  to  secure  this,  and  their  explanation. 

Direct  Cause  of  Acquired  Immunity.  It  has  long  been 
well  known  that  for  a  certain  class  of  contagious  diseases  a 
first  attack  protects  its  victim  for  many  years,  or  even  for 
a  lifetime,  against  a  second.  This  knowledge  was  availed 
of  in  inoculating  exposed  animals  with  virulent  matter  from 
a  mild  case  of  a  dangerous  disease  (small-pox,  sheep-pox), 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  47 

and  thus  inducing  a  disease  which,  in  the  great  majority  of 
cases,  was  slight  and  comparatively  harmless.  In  the  same 
way  children  have  been  voluntarily  exposed  to  the  infection 
of  measles  or  scarlet  fever  when  that  particular  disease  was 
prevailing  in  an  unusually  mild  form,  and  by  passing  through 
such  mild  form  of  the  malady  have  been  empowered  to  resist 
the  infection  when  at  a  later  date  the  disease  had  assumed 
a  malignant  and  fatal  type. 

Of  late  years  facts  have  accumulated  which  tend  to 
throw  light  on  the  real  cause  of  such  acquired  innnunity. 
To  comprehend  these  it  is  necessary  to  state  one  or  two 
fundamental  truths. 

1.  A  contagious  disease  is  maintained  and  propagated  in 
an  animal  body,  and  from  one  animal  to  another,  by  the 
multiplication  and  transference  of  a  living  organism,  having 
the  property  possessed  by  all  living  bodies  of  increase  by 
natural  generation,  of  assimilation  of  food,  and  of  the  ex- 
cretion of  waste  material.  In  a  certain  number  of  conta- 
gious diseases  these  have  been  shown  to  be  infinitesimal 
cellular  organisms  (bacteria)  allied  to  the  ferments  which 
produce  alcohol,  vinegar,  the  carbonic  acid  which  raises 
bread,  and  the  offensive  liquids  and  gases  of  putrefaction. 
It  is  not  necessary  to  claim  that  all  contagious  diseases  are 
caused  by  bacterial  ferments  ;  it  is  enough  for  our  present 
pui'pose  to  assume  that  every  contagious  disease  is  due  to 
the  presence  of  a  distinct  microscopic  living  particle  which 
feeds,  excretes,  and  increases  by  generation  as  do  ferments. 
The  only  other  alternative,  that  it  is  due  to  a  chemical 
agent  which  acts  injuriously  on  the  tissues  of  the  body,  dis- 
proves itself ;  for  every  chemical  agent  expends  its  power  in 
exercising  such  chemical  action,  and  can  by  no  means  re- 
cruit its  substance  nor  strength,  but  will  act  with  greater  or 
less  efPect  according  to  the  amount  originally  applied,  and 
must  be  more  speedily  exhausted  in  exact  ratio  with  the  bulk 
or  the  number  of  the  animals  attacked  ;  whereas  the  disease- 


48  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


germ  (contagiiim)  constantly  inci-eases  in  quantity  and  fui-ce 
with  the  increasing  number  of  the  susceptible  victims  upon 
which  it  is  allowed  to  operate. 

2.  Each  particular  kind  of  disease-germ  has  but  a  limited 
sway  over  the  animal  creation,  one  or  more  genera  proving 
completely  insusceptible  to  it.  Thus  measles,  scarlatina,  and 
mumps  are  peculiar  to  man,  lung-plague  to  the  ox,  Rinder- 
pest to  ruminants,  and  strangles  to  solipeds.  Other  races 
of  animals  have  by  nature  a  stronger  resistance  to  each  par- 
ticular disease  than  the  susceptible  races  acquire  even  by  a 
first  attack. 

3.  This  antagonism  or  power  of  resistance  to  a  particular 
disease  is  especially  inheient  in  the  living  animal  and  in 
different  instances  solutions  or  gelatinous  compounds  made 
from  the  bodies  of  insusceptible  animals  have  been  found 
to  support  the  life  and  multiplication  of  disease-germs  that 
were  entirely  harmless  to  the  living  animal. 

4.  In  the  life  of  bacterial  ferments  (and  disease-germs) 
there  are  two  main  considerations  bearing  on  the  question 
of  the  causation  of  disease :  a^  The  ferment  abstracts  from 
the  liquid  element  in  which  it  lives  the  food  elements 
necessary  for  its  nutrition  and  growth  ;  and,  5,  the  ferment 
throws  out  of  its  sj^stem  into  the  liquid  in  which  it  lives 
the  waste  products  of  its  own  bodily  life.  Thus  the  beer- 
yeast  consumes  the  sugar  in  the  malt,  and  after  using  it  for 
its  own  nourishment,  throws  out  into  the  liquid  carbonic 
acid  and  alcohol. 

So  it  is  with  the  disease-generating  bacteria.  They  draw 
upon  the  animal  fluids  for  their  food  materials,  thus  ab- 
stracting from  the  system  materials  that  may  be  essential  to 
health,  and  thej^  pour  back  into  the  animal  fluids  products 
that  may  be  injurious  to  health. 

5.  The  disease-producing  bacteria  or  other  germs  are  liable 
to  be  arrested  in  the  capillary  blood-vessels,  the  lymphatic 
radical  net-works  of  the  different  tissues  and  the  lymphatic 


Contagious  aiid  Epizootic  Diseases.  49 

glands,  to  block  these  passages  to  a  greater  or  less  extent, 
and  to  derange  healthy  processes  by  obstructing  the  flow  of 
blood  or  lymph  or  by  irritating  the  parts  and  producing 
local  inflammation. 

These  may  serve  as  principles  in  the  light  of  which  to 
consider  the  various  theories  of  the  mode  of  operation  by 
which  a  first  attack  gives  immunity  from  a  second.  Four 
hypotheses  have  been  advanced  to  account  for  this  immunity, 
which  may  be  considered  seriatim. 

a.  The  Exhaustion  Theory.  This  assumes  that  in  the 
susceptible  animal  the  disease  germ  finds  its  appropriate 
food,  which  has  been  accumulating  from  birth,  that  it  uses 
up  this  and  is  starved  to  death  when  this  supply  has  be- 
come exhausted.  The  theory  holds  that  the  presence  of 
the  living  germ  in  the  system  causes  the  fever,  that  the 
fever  subsides  when  the  germ  dies,  and  that  the  disease 
cannot  again  recur  in  the  same  animal  because  all  the 
food  of  the  disease-germ  which  it  contained  has  been  used 
up.  This  view  was  naturally  adopted  by  Pasteur,  wiiose 
chemical  experience  with  beer  and  wine  had  accustomed 
him  to  gauge  the  growth  of  the  yeast  by  the  amount  of 
sugar  in  the  malt  or  grape-juice.  It  is,  however,  utterly 
untenable  as  applied  to  the  growtli  of  a  disease-germ  in 
an  animal  body.  In  the  animal  system  the  disease-germ 
lives  in  a  medium  which  is  constantly  changing,  new  food 
material  is  taken  in  several  times  a  day,  this  new  food 
is  being  continually  built  up  into  living  tissues,  and  from 
the  livino;  tissues  so  constructed  waste  materials  are  beiui^ 
constantly  abstracted  and  carried  out  of  the  body.  The  new- 
born animal  readily  contracts  a  contagious  disease,  though 
the  whole  period  of  its  pre-existence  from  its  inception  in 
the  ovum  does  not  exceed  one  month  to  one  year  in  the  dif- 
ferent domestic  animals ;  yet,  after  a  first  attack,  it  may  live 
for  many  years  exposed  at  frequent  intervals  to  the  same 
contagion,  and  never  again  submit  to  its  malign  influence. 
4 


50  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Is  it  conceivable  that  in  tliese  many  years  of  active  life  and 
nutrition  this  same  animal  system  has  been  unable  to  elab- 
orate even  a  fraction  of  that  particular  food  which  was  so 
abundantly  produced  in  the  first  short  year  or  months  of 
its  existence  ?  But  this  is  not  all.  If  the  muscles  or  other 
tissues  of  this  animal,  rendered  insusceptible  by  a  first  attack 
of  a  given  disease,  are  boiled  and  made  into  a  soup,  it  sup- 
ports the  life  of  the  specific  germ  of  that  disease,  and  even 
secures  its  rapid  increase.  It  follows  that  there  is  no  lack 
of  food  in  the  living  body  for  this  germ  which  finds  such  a 
fertile  field  in  the  soup  made  from  its  elements. 

h.  The  Antidote  Theory.  This  supposes  that  some 
chemical  substance  is  produced  during  the  progress  of  the 
disease  which  is  laid  up  in  the  living  tissues  of  the  animal 
body,  and  acts  as  a  direct  poison  to  the  germ.  This, 
adopted  by  Klebs  and  Ivlein,  has,  like  the  first-named 
hypothesis,  a  basis  in  the  action  of  ferments  in  simple 
chemical  solutions  out  of  the  animal  body.  Bread  that 
has  risen  once  or  twice  under  the  action  of  yeast  is  raised 
less  effectually  on  each  successive  occasion,  though  more 
flour  is  added  every  time.  So  with  many  other  ferments ; 
their  growth  is  rendered  less  active  in  proportion  to  the 
accumulation  of  their  own  chemical  products  in  the  liquid 
in  which  they  are.  But  the  germ  is  not  killed  by  the  ac- 
cumulation of  its  chemical  products ;  it  remains  alive  and 
active  so  long  as  it  finds  food  in  its  surroundings.  Were  it 
otherwise,  it  is  not  conceivable  that  these  chemical  products 
sliould  remain  in  the  tissues  for  years  in  a  soluble  condition, 
in  which  alone  they  would  be  taken  in  by  the  germ,  so  as 
to  poison  it.  If  entirely  insoluble  they  might  remain  in 
the  tissues  indefinitely,  like  the  particles  of  charcoal  in  the 
tattooed  skin,  but  they  could  not  affect  the  composition  of 
the  animal  fluids  nor  hinder  the  growth  of  any  germs 
in  these  liquids.  If,  on  the  contrary,  they  were  soluble  in 
these  animal  fluids,  they  would,  like  other  dissolved  pro- 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  51 


ducts,  be  carried  to  the  kidneys,  skin,  bowels,  etc.,  and 
tlirown  out  of  the  system  in  a  few  days  or  weeks,  so  that 
the  system  would  be  no  longer  protected  by  them  against 
a  new  attack.  But  aside  from  this,  as  seen  under  our  last 
heading,  a  soup  made  of  the  tissues  of  an  animal  which  has 
been  protected  by  a  first  attack  of  a  given  disease  will 
readily  support  the  life,  growth,  and  reproduction  of  the 
germ  which  is  the  cause  of  that  disease.  This  is  conclusive ; 
for  the  infusion  of  the  tissues  will  contain  the  chemical  pro- 
ducts which  were  the  alleged  cause  of  the  destruction  of 
the  germ. 

c.    The    Condensation   and  Filtration    Theory.     Tous- 
saint  found  that  during  an  attack  of  anthrax  the  lymphatic 
glands  were  congested  and  swollen,  and  that  on   the  sub- 
sidence of  the  disorder  the  exuded   matter  which   caused 
the  swelling,  developing  into  fibrous  tissue,  contracted  upon 
the  lymphatic  ducts  in  such  glands,  compressing  them  and 
lessening  their  calibre,  so  that  he  supposed  they  no  longer 
admitted  the  passage  of  the  germs  (bacteria)  of  the  disease. 
This  view  was  thought  to  be  supported  by  the  absence  of 
bacteria  in  the  fcetus  in  many  instances  where  the  dam  had 
perished  from  the  disease,  the  filtration  having  presumably 
been  effected  by  the  placenta.     But,  as  I  have  shown  else- 
where, the  foetus  partakes  of  the  nature  of  carnivorous  ani- 
mals which  are  insusceptible  to  many  germs  producing  disease 
in  the  herbivora.     The  filtration  theory  becomes  untenable 
when  we  consider  that  the  lymph-corpuscles,  which  are  in- 
comparably larger  than  any  lethal  bacteria,  continue  to  find 
their  way  through  the  consti'icted  tubes  of  the  glands,  so 
that  there  can  be  no  insuperable  obstacle  to  the  passage  of 
the  germs  as  well.     Again,  this  condensation  of  the  glands 
w^ould  not  prevent  the  development  of  a  local  anthrax  sore 
in  the  skin  in  the  seat  of  inoculation,  yet  a  first  attack  usu- 
ally prevents  the  subsequent  formation  of  tlie  local  disease 
as  well  as  of  the  general  infection.     The  resistance  to  the 


52  The  Fanner's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

germ  is  inherent  in  everj^  tissue  of  the  body,  and  not  merely 
in  those  parts  that  must  be  reached  through  an  indurated 
gland.  Finally,  this  condensation  of  the  gland,  caused  by 
the  infection  of  one  disease,  gives  no  protection  against  that 
of  a  second.  If  the  protection  were  due  to  a  mere  mechani- 
cal obstruction,  then  the  immunity  acquired  by  an  attack  of 
one  disease  would  extend  to  all  others  having  germs  of 
equal  size ;  whereas,  with  rare  exceptions  (cow-pox  and  small- 
pox), no  one  contagious  disease  is  vicarious  of  another. 

(D)  The  Yital  Resistance  Theory.  This  hypothesis 
assumes  that  the  living  cells  and  nuclei  of  the  blood  and  tis- 
sues of  the  body,  having  once  been  subjected  to  the  attack 
of  a  specific  disease-germ,  acquire  a  power  of  tolerance  or 
resistance  of  that  particular  germ  or  its  products  which  pre- 
vents them  from  readily  succumbing  a  second  time  to  its 
evil  influence. 

The  habit  of  tolerating  an  injurious  agencj^  without  harm 
is  a  matter  of  common  experience.  Exposure  to  the  sun 
after  long  seclusion  in-doors  blisters  the  face  and  hands,  but 
after  continued  exposure  and  tanning,  it  has  no  such  effect. 
Rowing,  hoeing,  or  chopping  will  at  first  blister  the  hands, 
but  after  some  experience  it  only  hardens  and  strengthens 
them.  The  boy's  first  cigar  or  pipe  of  tobacco  sickens  him, 
while  the  practised  smoker  can  consume  the  poison  from 
mornins:  to  night.  So  wath  the  drinker,  the  opium-eater, 
the  victim  of  the  chloral-habit,  and  the  arsenic-eater.  Each 
of  these  comes  to  take  Avith  impunity  that  which  would  have 
proved  fatal  in  his  early  experience. 

So  it  is  wath  the  morbid  products  of  the  life  of  a  disease- 
germ.  Coming  for  the  first  time  in  contact  with  the  living 
cells  and  nuclei  of  the  body,  they  prove  more  or  less  potent 
poisons,  whereas  later  these  can  bear  their  presence  with 
comparative  impunity.  But  in  both  cases  alike  the  power 
of  resistance  is  limited.  It  is  quite  possible  by  an  overdose 
to  kill  the  smoker,  the  drinker,  the  opium-eater,  the  chloral- 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  53 

guzzler,  or  the  arsenic-eater.  Equally  possible  is  it,  by  an 
excessive  dose  of  a  specific  disease-poison,  to  lay  the  best 
protected  system  under  the  fatal  influence  of  that  disease. 
There  is  no  such  thing  as  conferring  absolute  immunity. 
Hence  the  occasional  occurrence  of  a  second  attack  of  small- 
pox, or  other  plague,  on  occasions  when  the  disease  has  be- 
come unusually  virulent,  or  acts  on  a  specially  depressed 
system. 

But  this  cannot  be  the  whole  measure  of  the  antagonism. 
Were  it  to  rest  here  the  multiplication  of  the  disease-germ 
might  be  as  great  as  before,  the  system  might  become  satu- 
rated witli  these  germs,  and  trouh)le  would  inevitably  come 
from  the  exhaustion  of  the  blood  and  animal  fluids  of  their 
oxygen,  the  blocking  of  capillaries,  etc.  The  germs  and  their 
products  would  tend  to  increase  till  the  vital  resistance  was 
overcome,  and  a  fatal  result  might  ensue.  The  important 
feature  of  the  resistance  is  that  it  prevents  the  survival  and 
increase  of  the  germs  introduced  into  the  body.  In  the  pro- 
tected animal  system,  therefore,  tliere  is  not  simply  a  vital 
insusceptibility  of  the  cells  and  nuclei  to  the  action  of  the 
chemical  products  of  disease,  but  there  is  in  addition  an 
active  antagonism  between  the  living  animal  cell  and  the 
living  disease-germ.  There  is  a  certain  similarity  between 
the  bacterial  ferment  and  the  plastic  animal  cell,  in  that  both 
are  engaged  in  taking  in  and  using  up  organic  matter  for 
their  own  nourishment,  or,  in  the  case  of  the  animal  cell,  for 
the  building  up  of  tissue.  Each  finds  in  the  other  organic 
matter  by  tlie  devouring  of  wdiich  it  can  support  its  own 
life.  Each  would  feed  upon  the  other  but  for  the  vital  re- 
sistance offered  by  its  antagonist.  If  one  is  killed,  or  has  its 
vitality  depressed  as  compared  with  the  other,  the  latter  will 
destroy  and  devour  it.  If,  then,  the  nuclei  of  the  tissues 
have  had  their  vitiility  lowered  by  the  action  for  the  first 
time  of  the  poisonous  chemical  products  of  the  disease-germ, 
they  meet  the  attacks  of  that  germ  at  a  disadvantage,  for  a 


54  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

time  the  germ  trininphs  in  the  struggle  for  existence,  and  a 
grave  or  mortal  disease  ia  the  consequence.  When,  how- 
ever, the  animal  cells  and  nuclei  are  inured  to  the  action  of 
this  disease-poison  hj  a  former  attack,  they  have  acquired 
an  insusceptibility  to  it,  and  in  spite  of  it  retain  all  their 
native  vitality  and  vigor,  so  that  the  disease-germs  which 
are  introduced  fall  easy  victims  to  the  devouring  animal 
cells. 

This  position  is  further  sustained  by  the  fact  that  many 
virulent  liquids,  introduced  in  small  amount  into  the  blood, 
quickly  perish,  whereas  if  introduced  into  the  tissues  they 
survive,  multiply,  and  generate  disease.  In  the  blood,  the 
attacking  party  of  disease-germs  is  confronted  in  rapid 
succession  by  the  endless  myriads  of  actively  moving  blood- 
globules,  and  in  the  resultant  struggle  the  countless  num- 
bers of  strong  animal  cells  triumph,  and  the  invading  dis- 
ease-germs are  devoured.  When  the  disease-germ  is  planted 
in  the  tissues  the  case  is  reversed.  Here  the  animal  cells 
(nuclei)  are  immovably  fixed  in  the  tissues  which  they  serve 
to  build  up,  so  that  the  whole  force  of  the  invading  germs 
is  thrown  upon  a  few.  The  poisonous  chemical  products 
(ptomaines)  lower  their  vitality,  so  that  they  can  no  longer 
successfully  resist  the  morbid  germs,  and  the  latter  increase 
rapidly,  pour  their  depressing  products  onward  through  tlie 
lymphatic  vessels  into  the  blood  and  system  at  large,  and 
finally  debilitate  the  whole,  so  that  the  germ  finds  no  effec- 
tive resistance  at  any  point,  not  even  in  the  blood  itself. 
Thus  the  disease,  which  is  at  first  local,  becomes  general,  be- 
cause the  animal  cells  at  the  point  where  the  virus  was  im- 
planted, had  not  the  power  to  resist  the  depressing  influence 
of  the  germ  products,  and  the  germ  was  allowed  to  increase 
in  numbers  and  force. 

Another  consideration  sustains  this  theory.  The  protec- 
tion conferred  upon  a  system  by  a  first  attack  of  a  disease- 
germ  is  to  be  trusted  even  where  the  diseased  processes 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  55 

have  been  strictly  local.  Tims  a  vaccination  on  the  arm 
protects  the  whole  system  against  a  second  occurrence  of  the 
disease.  A  single  malignant  pustule  on  the  hand  fortifies 
the  whole  body  against  anthrax.  A  swelling  no  larger 
than  a  peach,  caused  by  the  insertion  of  lung-plague  virus 
on  the  tip  of  the  tail,  protects  the  lungs  from  attack  as  if 
the  first  manifestation  of  the  disease  had  been  in  the  lungs 
themselves.  This  is  the  more  remarkable,  that  the  intro- 
duction of  lung-plague  virus  into  the  blood  causes  no  local 
disease  in  the  lungs  nor  elsewhere.  The  germs  introduced 
into  the  tail  caused  disease  in  the  tail,  but  none  in  the 
lungs,  and  as  the  germs  could  only  reach  the  lungs  by  pass- 
ing through  the  blood,  and  as  the  blood  is  destructive  to 
these  germs,  it  follows  that  the  germs  could  never  have 
reached  the  lungs,  and  that  the  vital  resistance  conferred 
upon  the  lungs  by  this  inoculation  in  the  tail  must  have 
been  secured  by  contact  with  the  chemical  products  of  the 
growth  of  the  germ,  which  were  thrown  into  the  blood  and 
carried  to  the  lungs  and  the  whole  body  continuously 
through  the  whole  progress  of  the  disease. 

Still  another  fact  favors  this  view.  With  some  disease- 
germs  (chicken-cholera),  dilution  of  the  virus  till  you  can 
guarantee  that  no  more  than  one  or  two  germs  are  intro- 
duced into  the  sore  by  inoculation  secures  a  local  and  non- 
fatal in  place  of  a  general  and  lethal  disease.  The  small 
number  of  germs  introduced  liave  no  advantage  in  point  of 
force  over  the  living  nuclei  with  which  they  are  brought  in 
contact  in  the  tissues,  and  in  the  resulting  struggle  the  tissue 
elements  triumph  and  the  germs  are  destroyed.  Yet  here 
again  the  general  system  is  protected  against  a  subsequent 
attack  of  the  disease,  the  inoculated  germs  having  diffused 
enough  of  their  chemical  products  (ptomaines)  through  the 
body  to  secure  this  before  they  died. 

This  hypothesis  of  acquired  vital  resistance  and  antago- 
nism meets  the  case  at  every  point,  and  of  the  four  theories 


56  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

named  is  the  only  one  that  makes  full  explanation  of  the 
phenomena. 

We  can  now  proceed  to  intelligently  consider  the  different 
modes  of  seeking  innnunity  from  contagious  diseases. 

I. IMMUNITY  BY   GOOD    HYGIENE. 

We  have  seen  above  that  the  animal  system  is  conquered 
by  any  contagious  disease  in  ratio  with  the  debility  of  the 
living  animal  cells  and  their  feeble  power  of  resistance. 
The  system,  therefore,  in  which  these  cells  are  weak  from 
living  in  impure  air,  damp  buildings,  darkness,  on  poor  or 
deficient  food,  on  foul  water,  from  overwork,  from  old- 
standing  or  debilitating  disease,  from  excessive  drains  on 
the  vitality,  as  heavy  milking,  etc.,  is  more  ready  to  suc- 
cumb to  the  attack  of  a  disease-germ  than  is  one  in  the 
strength  of  the  most  vigorous  health.  So  it  is  with  the 
individual  that  has  descended  from  weak  or  debilitated 
ancestors,  or  from  such  as  were  too  young  and  imperfectly 
developed,  or  too  old  and  worn  out.  Hence  it  is  that  all 
that  contributes  to  robust  health  favors  the  resistance  to 
contagious  disease.  But  this  resistance  is  extremely  limited 
in  its  scope.  We  constantly  see  the  strongest  and  healthiest 
men  and  animals  fall  under  the  blight  of  a  plague,  while 
their  weak  and  debilitated  compeers  that  have  already 
passed  through  this  affection  successfully  resist.  In  many 
cases,  too,  the  unusual  vigor  of  an  animal  system,  while 
failing  to  completely  throw  off  the  disease-germ,  yet  modi- 
fies the  affection  so  that  it  passes  in  a  milder  form.  This 
may  save  the  individual,  but  it  does  not  hinder  the  multi- 
plication of  the  germs  and  the  propagation  of  the  plague. 
The  robust  system,  like  a  barren  field,  produces  a  stunted 
crop  of  disease-germs,  a  crop,  however,  which  is  amply  suf- 
ficient to  keep  the  contagion  constantly  progressing  from 
animal  to  animal,  and  from  herd  to  herd. 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  57 


II. IM]VIUNITY   BY   TONICS    AND    ANTIFERMENTS. 

The  use  of  tonics  is  based  on  their  tendency  to  produce 
a  more  vigorous  health.  Like  good  hygiene,  therefore, 
they  will  sometimes  assist  in  warding  off  infection,  or  in 
rendering  .the  resulting  attack  more  mild.  A  long  course 
of  sulphate  of  iron  will  do  much  to  fortify  against  lung- 
plague,  and  is  not  without  influence  even  on  rinderpest ; 
but  a  certain  number  of  victims  suffer  after  all,  and  too 
often  the  plague  continues  to  extend. 

The  free  use  of  sulphites,  bisulphites,  and  hyposulphites 
was  long  ago  shown  by  Polli  to  counteract  the  dangers  of 
inoculated  septicaemia,  and  has  undoubtedly  the  effect  of 
retarding  the  growth  of  certain  disease-germs  within  the 
animal  body,  but  at  best  they  but  mitigate  the  disease  and 
do  not  prevent  the  progress  of  the  infection  to  other 
animals. 

III. IMMUNITY   BY   BASSING   THROUGH    THE    BLAGUE   BY 

EXPOSURE. 

In  a  country  where  a  deadly  animal  plague  is  generally 
prevalent,  a  measure  of  security  is  sometimes  secured  by 
passing  the  young  and  comparatively  valueless  through  the 
disease.  Those  that  die  are  but  a  trifling  loss,  while  the 
survivors  resist  this  plague  for  their  whole  life-time.  This 
has  been  especially  adopted  in  lung  plague. 

IV. IMMUNITY   BY    INOCULATION    FROM   A   MILD    TYPE    OF   THE 

PLAGUE. 

Before  the  days  of  Jenner  this  was  emploj^ed  for  small- 
pox, and  to  the  present  time  it  is  largely  resorted  to  for 
sheep-pox.  Sheep  in  good  health,  inoculated  from  a  mild 
case  of  the  disease,  usually  liave  the  pox  in  a  mild  form ; 
nearly  all  recover,  and  the  flock  is  thereby  preserved. 


58  The  Farmer^ 8  Veterinary  Adviser. 


V. IMMUNITY   BY    INOCULATION    FROM   A    CLOSELY    RELATED 

DISEASE. 

This  was  inaugurated  bj  Jeniier,  who  observed  that  the 
Gloucestei'shire  milkers  who  contracted  cow-pox  never  suf- 
fered from  sniall-pox,  and  to-day  his  beneficent  method  is 
followed  all  over  the  civilized  world.  No  two  other  dis- 
eases have  been  yet  shown  to  be  vicarious  of  each  other. 

VI. IMMUNITY    BY    INOCULATION    WITH    A    MINIMUM    AMOUNT 

OF    VIRUS. 

This  consists  in  diluting  the  virus  in  water  or  saline  solu- 
tion of  the  density  of  the  blood,  until  the  drop  or  drops  in- 
oculated contain  but  one,  or  at  most  two  germs  (bacteria). 
Dr.  Salmon  has  employed  this  extensively  in  chicken-cholera 
producing  a  local  slough  only,  followed  by  recovery  and 
subsequent  immunity  from  the  disease. 

VII. LIMITATION    OF    LOCAL    DISEASE    BY    ANTISEPTICS    AND 

CAUSTICS. 

Jenner  recognized  that  an  excessive  inflammation  in  the 
seat  of  vaccination  could  be  cut  short  by  the  caustic  appli- 
cation of  the  sulphate  of  zinc  or  nitrate  of  silver.  In  the 
light  of  to-day  we  can  recognize  in  these,  antiseptics  which 
destroyed  the  living  germs  in  the  seat  of  inoculation  and 
prevented  their  further  increase.  Similarly,  in  all  those  af- 
fections that  are  for  a  time  limited  to  the  seat  of  superficial 
infection,  the  general  infection  may  be  prevented  by  the 
application  of  caustics  or  antiseptics  to  the  affected  part. 
This  applies  to  local  anthrax,  septic  poisoning,  inoculated 
lung  plague,  and  even  canine  madness,  and  in  proportion  to 
the  chemical  products  thrown  off  into  the  system  before  the 
local  disease  was  arrested  will  be  the  measure  of  protection 
from  a  future  attack. 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  59 


VIII. IMMUNITY    BY    INOCULATION    IN    AN    UNIMPORTANT 

ORGAN. 

This  has  been  especially  resorted  to  in  Inng  plague  after 
the  mode  of  Willems,  of  Ilasselt,  Belgium.  The  liquid 
exudate  from  the  diseased  lung,  recently  attacked  and  still 
gorged  with  an  uncoagulated  liquid,  is  inserted  into  the  tail 
near  the  tip.  In  fifteen  days,  on  an  average,  it  becomes  in- 
flamed, swollen,  and  it  may  even  slough,  but  after  recovery 
the  system  is  fortified  against  the  disease.  Inoculated  else- 
where in  the  body  where  there  is  an  abundant  connective 
tissue  beneath  the  skin  it  is  usually  fatal,  but  in  the  tail,  with 
its  dense  texture  and  deficiency  of  lymphatic  tissue,  it  rarely 
extends  to  dangerous  dimensions. 

IX. IMJVIUNITY    BY    INOCULATON    IN    THE    VEINS. 

In  1879  Burdon-Sanderson  inoculated  cattle  with  the  luno-. 
plague  virus  by  injecting  the  same  into  the  veins,  without 
any  contact  with  the  adjacent  tissues.  The  inoculated  cattle 
showed  no  special  disorder,  but  when  afterward  inoculated 
in  the  tissues  with  fresh  virus  they  proved  to  be  entirely  in- 
susceptible of  it.  Later,  Galtier  adopted  the  same  measure 
with  the  saliva  of  canine  madness,  injecting  it  into  the  veins 
of  rabbits  and  sheep  with  no  direct  evil  result,  and  the  sub- 
jects afterward  resisted  the  infection  by  inoculation  in  the 
tissues.  Lussano  long  before,  and  Pasteur  later,  made  in- 
travenous injections  in  dogs,  but  with  the  result  of  inducing 
rabies.  The  method,  then,  must  have  a  very  limited  appli- 
cation, being  restricted  to  such  disease-germs  as  do  not  sur- 
vive in  the  blood.  It  is  utterly  inapplicable  to  diseases  in 
which  the  blood  is  habitually  infecting,  such  as  syphilis, 
glanders,  tuberculosis,  rabies  in  dogs,  anthrax,  etc. 


GO  The  Fariner''s  YeteriniLry  Adviser. 


X. IMMUNITY    BY    INOCULATION    WITH    GERMS    MODIFIED    BY 

ANOTHER    GENUS    OF    ANIMAL. 

In  1878  Burdon-Sandersou  and  Duguid  inoculated  anthrax 
on  guinea-pigs  for  several  generations  of  the  poison,  and 
from  tlie  guinea-pigs  inoculated  several  cattle,  all  of  which 
passed  through  a  mild  form  of  the  disease  and  without  ex- 
ception recovered  in  five  days.  The  same  cattle,  afterward 
inoculated  with  very  virulent  anthrax  fluids,  again  sickened, 
but  in  no  case  with  a  fatal  result.  These  experiments  were 
repeated  and  confirmed  bv  Greenfield  a  year  later. 

In  1879  I  inoculated  swine-plague  matter  on  a  lamb  and 
a  rat  and  conveyed  the  infection  from  these  animals  back  to 
pigs,  the  latter  taking  the  disease  in  a  mild  form,  and  show- 
ing the  characteristic  lesions  on  post-mortem  examination 
after  the  recovery  had  been  well  advanced.  As  a  first  at- 
tack protects  against  a  second,  we  assume  that  these  pigs  had 
been  rendered  insusceptible. 

In  1884  Pasteur  inoculated  the  virus  of  canine  madness 
on  monkeys,  and  inoculated  it  from  the  apes  back  on  rabbits 
and  dogs,  producing  in  the  Jatter  a  non-fatal  disease  which 
protected  the  system  against  a  second  attack. 

This  method  is  doubtless  capable  of  very  great  extension 
in  other  plagues. 

XI. IMMUNITY   BY   INOCULATION    WITH    GERMS    GROWN   IN   DIF- 
FERENT   LIQUIDS  OR  SOLIDS. 

It  is  well  established  that  ferments  produce  different  pro- 
ducts and  assume  varied  forms  as  grown  in  different  liquids. 
So  with  disease-germs.  In  1878  I  found  that  the  virus  of 
swine-plague  preserved  in  wheat-bran  was  constantly  fatal, 
and  in  1880  that  similar  virus  cultivated  in  previously  steril- 
ized milk,  ^g^  albumen,  and  urine,  respectively,  produced 
only  mild  attacks,  which  protected  against  the  usual  infec- 
tion. 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  61 


XII.— IMMUNITY  BY  INOCULATION    WITH    VIRUS    GROWN  IN  FREE 
CONTACT  AVITll  AIR. 

Tlie  same  principle  operates  in  this  as  in  the  last  method, 
the  bacterium  or  other  germ  living  in  free  contact  with  air 
acquires  the  habit  of  using  more  oxygen  tlian  it  can  secure 
in  the  animal  tissues,  and  when  transferred  to  these  it  grows 
in  a  sickly  manner  and  is  easily  thrown  off  by  the  living 
animal  tissues.  This  is  largely  operative  in  slowly  disin- 
fecting buildings  freely  open  to  the  air,  infected  yards,  parks, 
and  other  open  places,  while  it  determines  that  virulent 
matters  closely  shut  up  in  sewers,  manure-heaps,  cess-pools, 
close  areas  under  floors,  compact,  water-logged,  or  filth- satu- 
rated soils,  or  indeed  wherever  the  air  cannot  freely  reach  it, 
retain  their  infecting  qualities  for  a  much  longer  time,  and 
at  times,  as  in  cholera,  yellow  fever,  and  typhoid,  have 
them  materially  enhanced  in  potency.  In  my  experiments 
with  swine-plague  and  septic  matters  I  invariably  found 
that  material  the  most  deadly  which  had  been  grown  in 
closed  flasks  with  a  very  limited  supply  of  air,  while  that 
which  was  grown  in  thin  layers  and  with  free  access  to  air 
steadily  lost  in  potency,  and  finally  produced  a  disease  so 
mild  that  it  could  be  resorted  to  as  a  means  of  preventing 
losses  in  herds. 

XIII. — IMMUNITY   BY    INOCULATION    WITH   VIRUS    WHICH     HAS 
BEEN   EXPOSED   TO   COMPRESSED    OXITGEN. 

This  is  based  on  the  same  principle  with  the  last,  only  in 
place  of  a  lengthened  exposure  to  the  oxygen  in  the  air 
there  is  a  temporary  exposure  to  pure  oxygen  under  extra 
pressure.  Chauveau  has  especially  labored  in  this  field,  and 
found  that,  by  carefully  graduating  the  pressure  and  the  pcr 
riod  of  exposure,  he  could  secure  such  debility  or  lessened 
potency  in   the  germs  as  would  determine  a  mild  and  non- 


62  The  Farmer'^s  Yeterhiary  Adviser. 

fatal  disease,  which  would  prove  vicarious  of  the  more  severe 
form. 

One  drawback  to  this  method  is  that,  if  applied  to  a  virus 
which  has  been  some  time  removed  from  the  system  and  has 
produced  spores,  the  latter  still  retain  their  potency. 

XIV. EVIMTJNITY    BY    INOCULATION     WITH    VIKUS    WEAKENED    BY 

RESTING  INACTIVE  (sTARVED)  IN  FREE  CONTACT  WITH  AIR. 

This  is  the  far-famed  method  of  the  brilliant  Pasteur. 
He  began  his  work  on  the  virus  of  chicken-cholera,  setting 
aside  his  cultures  of  the  virus  in  vessels  unfurnished  with 
any  more  food  for  their  nourishment  and  freely  exposed  to 
the  air.  After  a  sufficiently  long  exposure  he  found  that 
the  virus  had  lost  somewhat  of  its  deadly  character,  and 
after  a  three  months'  rest  it  could  be  inoculated  on  healthy 
fowls  without  a  fatal  result,  and  proved  protective  against 
another  attack  of  the  disease.  Later,  with  anthrax  virus 
cultivated  in  chicken-soup  at  41°  C,  so  that  it  would  not  pro- 
duce the  unimpressible  spore,  he  produced  by  delay  a  debil- 
ilated  virus  which  could  be  safely  inoculated  on  healthy 
sheep  and  cattle,  and  would  protect  them  from  a  second  at- 
tack. Later  still  the  method  has  been  successfully  applied 
to  canine  madness  and  other  diseases.  The  one  great  di-aw- 
back  to  the  method  is  the  fact  that,  though  the  individual  is 
preserved,  yet  the  virus  is  nmltiplied  in  its  system  and  scat- 
tered in  the  surroundings,  ready  to  resume  its  virulence  at 
anytime  under  favorable  circumstances.  Pasteur  himself 
has  secured  this  reversion  to  the  deadly  type  by  inoculating 
the  weakened  virus  of  fowl-cholera  on  the  chick,  and  suc- 
cessively on  older  and  older  animals.  It  is  easy  to  conceive 
how  a  diffusion  of  germs,  by  a  general  inoculation  with  the 
weakened  virus,  may  become  the  means  of  starting  many 
new  centres  of  deadly  infection. 

Pasteur's  system  is  therefore  not  one  that  can  be  adopted 


Contagious  and  Ejnzootic  Diseases.  63 

with  any  confidence  for  the  extinction  of  an  animal  plague ; 
tlie  highest  good  that  can  be  expected  from  it  is  the  protec- 
tion of  the  system  of  the  particular  animal  inoculated,  against 
an  ordinary  attack  of  tlie  disease.  The  living  germs  are, 
however,  propagated  in  the  system  of  the  animal  operated 
on,  and  unless  the  animal  and  all  its  products  are  carefully 
secluded  for  a  time  sufficient  to  allow  of  the  escape  of  the 
germs  from  the  system,  and  unless  such  escaped  germs  are 
suitably  disinfected,  each  protected  animal  may  start  a  new 
focus  of  infection  and  plague.  In  connection  with  this  it 
is  not  a  little  suggestive  that,  since  the  general  adoption 
of  the  Pasteurian  method  for  hydrophobia  in  France,  the 
disease  has  become  unusually  prevalent  in  that  and  neigh- 
boring countries,  and  though  nearly  all  the  subjects  inocu- 
lated by  M.  Pasteur  have  escaped  the  disease,  the  num- 
ber of  people  dying  from  hydrophobia  in  a  given  time  has 
in  no  way  decreased,  even  in  France  (Colin). 

The  truth  is  that  the  Pasteurian  inoculation  should  be 
surrounded  by  greater  safeguards  than  even  its  author  lias 
yet  appreciated  the  need  of.  While  the  great  majority  of 
those  bitten  by  rabid  animals  may,  by  its  adoption,  be  pro- 
tected against  rabies,  they  cannot  safely  be  set  at  large  im- 
mediately after,  as  practised  by  Pasteur,  but  should  be  quar- 
antined until  time  shall  have  assured  us  of  the  destruction  of 
the  potent  virus  introduced  into  their  system,  and  should,  with 
all  their  belonorino^s,  be  disinfected  before  final  liberation. 
In  the  case  of  herds,  too,  the  same  precaution  is  imperative, 
and  on  no  account  should  animals  kept  on  uninfected  lands 
be  inoculated  with  these  less  potent  germs  as  a  preventive 
against  the  more  potent  germs  to  which  they  are  to  be  sub- 
sequently exposed  in  an  infected  pasturage.  Such  a  course 
would  only  be  the  sowing  of  a  previously  wholesome  soil 
with  a  deadly  seed  which  would  be  preserved  and  intensi- 
fied in  any  portion  of  that  soil  favorable  to  its  maintenance 
and  increase.     The  extensive  adoption  of  Pasteur's  method 


64  The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  protection  against  anthrax  has  undoubtedly  been  the 
means  of  planting  that  deadly  disease  on  many  soils  hitherto 
wholesome  and  safe,  and  this  evil  cannot  fail  to  be  extended 
wider  and  wider,  so  long  as  the  method  is  pursued  in  the 
present  indiscriminate  manner. 

For  animals  pastured  on  fields  that  are  already  infected, 
Pasteur's  protective  inoculation  against  that  infection  may 
be  safely  allowed,  but  for  those  on  fields  as  yet  uninfected, 
but  of  a  nature  favorable  to  the  preservation  of  that  poison 
when  planted,  such  inoculation  must  be  unequivocally  con- 
demned. In  such  a  case  the  animals  should  be  housed  for 
inoculation,  or  confined  on  a  porous  soil  which  will  not  pre- 
serve the  germs,  and  should  only  be  set  free  when  all  dan- 
ger, from  living  germs  within  their  bodies,  has  passed,  and 
after  a  perfect  disinfection. 

XV. IMMUNrrY    BY    INOCULATION    WITH    STERILIZED    PRODUCTS 

OF   A   CONTAGIOUS   DISEASE. 

As  we  have  already  seen,  in  the  development  of  bacte- 
ridia,  whether  in  or  out  of  the  animal  body,  there  are  two 
distinct  bodies,  living  and  dead,  the  multijpllcation  of  the 
living  germ  and  the  increase  of  its  chemical  jproducts.  Thus 
the  beer-yeast  (saccharomyces  cerevisise),  growing  in  a  sweet 
organic  fluid,  like  malt,  multiplies  its  own  numbers  enor- 
mously, but  it  also  produces  an  amount  of  carbon  dioxide 
and  alcohol  proportionate  to  the  amount  of  sugar  origi- 
nally present  in  the  liquid.  So  the  disease-germ,  operating 
in  the  animal  body,  not  only  increases  its  numbers  but 
elaborates  a  variety  of  chemical  products  of  which  a  solu- 
ble digestive  ferment  and  a  poisonous  organic  alkaloid 
(ptomaine)  are  especially  important  as  attacking  the  integ- 
rity and  life  of  the  tissues.  Apart  from  these  chemical  poi- 
sons the  living  germ  probably  could  not  destroy  the  vital- 
ity of  the  blood-globules  and  tissue-cells  (nuclei).  It  is  their 
place  to  rob  the  living  tissues  of  their  vital  power  of  resist- 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  G5 

ance,  and  to  digest  and  dissolve  them  in  preparation  for 
their  consumption  by  the  ravenous  bacteridia.  In  their 
turn  tlie  well-nourished  bacteridia  produce  the  ferment  and 
poison  in  increasing  amount,  and  thus  the  sti-ength  of  tlie 
invading  germs  is  increased  relatively  to  the  waning  power 
of  vital  resistance  in  the  body  until  the  whole  economy  is 
fatally  invaded  and  the  victim  perishes. 

The  overwhelming  action  of  these  chemical  products  is 
seen  in  the  sudden  death  which  ensues  when  a  large  dose  of 
virulent  fluid  is  thrown  into  the  body,  no  time  being 
allowed  for  the  development  and  increase  of  the  living 
germs.  On  the  contrary,  when  a  small  dose  only  is  intro- 
duced, illness  is  delayed  much  longer  until  the  germs  have 
had  time  to  multiply  and  produce  tlieir  chemical  products, 
and  death,  if  it  occurs  at  all,  is  at  a  much  later  date.  Some 
germs,  when  thrown  at  once  into  the  veins,  produce  no  dis- 
ease at  all,  but  are  destroyed  by  the  ferments  of  the  vital 
fluid  and  the  myriads  of  living  blood-globules  with  which 
they  are  brought  rapidly  into  contact,  and  over  the  whole 
body  of  which  their  chemical  products  can  exercise  no  ap- 
preciable effect.  Yet  the  virus  of  lung-plague  or  of  black- 
quarter,  deadly  when  introduced  into  the  tissues  but  harm- 
less when  thrown  into  the  blood,  have,  nevertheless,  in  the 
latter  case,  the  effect  of  conferring  upon  the  entire  system 
the  power  of  subsequent  resistance  to  the  same  poison,  so 
that  if  later  introduced  into  the  tissues  it  rests  innocuous. 
Again,  in  the  animal  that  has  passed  through  anon-recurring 
contagious  disease  without  dying,  a  similar  exposure  to  the 
same  poison  later  is  harmless.  This  cannot  be  due  to  a 
greater  vigor  of  constitution,  for  the  system,  permanently 
weakened  by  a  first  attack  of  a  plague,  still  fails  to  conti-act 
the  same  disease  on  exposure  to  even  a  more  potent  virus. 
It  can  only  be  that  the  system  has  learned  by  its  previous 
experience  to  resist  the  organic  poison  which  proved  so 
hurtful  to  it  before. 


6G  The  FarTner'^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Acting  oil  this  suggestion,  I,  in  1880,  inoculated  two  pigs 
witli  swine-plague  liquids,  after  I  bad  sterilized  them  by 
lieat,  and  had  the  satisfaction  of  seeing  developed  but  a 
slight  and  temporary  fever  only.  Later  I  i-epeated  the 
inoculation  with  sterilized  liquids,  and  finally  exposed  the 
same  animals  to  contact  with  pigs  sick  with  swine-plague, 
and  to  repeated  inoculations  w4th  virulent  liquids  which 
pi'oved  fatal  to  unprotected  pigs,  yet  they  successfully  re- 
sisted all  such  exposures. 

Since  that  date  I  have  availed  myself  of  the  same  method 
for  lung-plague  in  cattle,  having  first  carried  it  out  on  ten 
experimental  cases  in  1881,  which  subsequently  successfully 
resisted  all  my  inoculations  with  fresh  virus  that  proved 
fatal  to  unprotected  animals  used  as  test  cases,  and  were 
finally  sent,  to  the  number  of  six,  into  infected  premises  in 
Brooklyn,  1^.  Y.,  and  Baltimore  County,  Md.,  but  came 
through  all  without  showing  a  sign  of  illness.  Since  that 
time  I  have  successfully  inoculated  with  sterilized  lung-plague 
virus  a  considerable  number  of  cattle  that  had  been  exposed 
to  the  contagion,  or  were  to  be,  with,  in  the  main,  thoroughly 
satisfactory  results.  In  two  cases  only  were  the  results 
unsatisfactory,  in  tho  first,  where  the  inoculating  matter  had 
been  taken  from  a  lung  which  did  not  show  a  sufiiciently 
active  development  of  the  lung-plague  lesions,  and  in  the 
second,  wdiere  no  thermometer  could  be  had  marking  over 
120°  F.,  so  that  the  sterilization  remained  incomplete  and 
living  germs  were  inoculated. 

Similarly  Toussaint  inoculated  against  anthrax  in  1880 : 
I  tested  it  on  two  herds,  in  July,  1884,  and  in  1885. 
In  the  first  herd  one  heifer  was  left  without  inoculation  as 
a  test  case,  and  in  two  days  she  died  of  anthrax,  while  the 
remainder  of  the  herd,  twelve  in  number,  successfully 
resisted.     The  second,  a  large  herd,  escaped  without  a  loss. 

In  these  cases  the  virulent  liquids  w^ere  heated  to  160°  F., 
and  even  higher,  for  an  houi-,  and  when  time  permitted  this 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  67 

was  repeated  some  time  later.  The  inoculations  were  made 
at  least  twice,  with  intervals  of  one  or  several  days. 

The  results  in  the  case  of  the  swine  have  been  criticised 
mainly,  it  would  appear,  because  similar  attempts  on  pigeons 
proved  unsatisfactory,  unless  a  greater  number  of  inocula- 
tions with  the  sterilized  virus  were  resorted  to.  Such  criticism 
is,  however,  entirely  unwarranted.  1st.  Results  obtained 
in  one  genus  of  animals  will  not  necessarily  be  secured  in 
another  genus.  2d.  Ko  acquired  immunity  is  absolute,  not 
even  though  it  may  have  been  secured  at  the  expense  of  a 
violent  attack  of  the  disease.  In  every  case  a  large  dose  of 
powerfully  virulent  material  will  cause  the  best  protected 
system  to  succumb.  All  such  protection  is  only  relative, 
and  the  fact  that  my  inoculated  pigs  wxre  unharmed  by  ex- 
posure to  infection  and  by  inoculations  with  fresh  virulent 
liquids  that  proved  fatal  to  other  and  unprotected  pigs, 
sufficiently  attests  that  I  was  working  on  the  right  principle, 
which  even  my  critic  and  follower  in  the  same  line  of  exper- 
iment has  found  satisfactory  in  his  own  hands.  He  need 
not  begrudge  me  the  mead  of  priority  in  the  work  of  estab- 
lishing this  great  principle  as  applicable  to  swine-plague. 

Superiority  of  Princij[>le  of  Protection  hy  Sterilized 
Yirus.  In  comparing  the  method  of  protection  by  sterilized 
virus  with  the  other  inoculation  methods,  its  great  superiori- 
ty becomes  at  once  manifest.  With  the  single  exception  of 
Jenner's  inoculation  of  a  harmless  disease  (cow-pox)  to  protect 
against  a  deadly  disease  (small-pox),  all  other  inoculation 
methods  consist  in  the  introduction  into  the  animal  system 
of  the  living  germs  of  the  disease  which  it  is  sought  to  pi-o- 
tect  against.  They  are,  one  and  all,  but  the  production  of  a 
mild  form  of  the  disease  in  question.  Fundamentally,  they 
are  but  a  return  to  the  pre-Jennerian  principle  of  inoculating 
from  a  mild  case  of  small-pox,  to  protect  against  a  deadly 
form  of  the  same  disease.  They  all  result  in  the  multipli- 
cation of  these  weakened  germs  by  myriads  in  the  animal 


5S  The  Farmer's  Yeterinary  Adviser. 

system,  and  too  often  in  their  distribution  on  surrounding 
objects,  where  they  may  be  preserved  indefinitely  to  infect 
other  susceptible  animals.  As  in  the  case  of  all  germs,  there 
is  the  certainty  of  reversion  to  the  original  deadly  type  when- 
ever the  medium  in  which  they  grow  is  favorable  to  such 
transition.  Pasteur  himself  has  shown  this  to  be  the  case, 
when  his  weakened  anthrax  virus  is  passed  through  a  suc- 
cession of  young  guinea-pigs  ;  and  what  is  true  of  one  germ 
is  true  of  all  in  this  respect.  All  have  the  power,  within 
given  limits,  of  adapting  themselves  to  varying  conditions 
of  life.  That  the  weakened  virus  (misnamed  vaccine^  has 
the  power  of  reversion  to  the  deadly  type  is  assured  to  us 
by  the  fact  that  already  a  change  of  culture  has  robbed  it  of 
its  deadly  potency  without  destroying  its  life ;  it  has  merely 
acquired  a  new  habit  of  life,  and  the  recurrence  to  the  origi- 
nal habit  is  just  as  certain  under  a  reversal  of  the  condi- 
tions. Nothing,  then,  short  of  the  absolute  seclusion  and 
disinfection  of  the  inoculated  animals,  and  their  habitations 
and  belongings,  will  render  such  inoculations  reasonably 
safe.  With  the  use  of  sterilized  virus,  on  the  other  hand, 
all  such  possibilities  of  diffusion  of  the  disease-germ  are  en- 
tirely done  away  with. 

1st.  ]^o  living  germ  is  introduced  into  the  animal  sys- 
tem. 

2d.  No  multiplication  of  germs  can  occur  on  nor  in  the 
animal. 

3d.  The  inoculated  animal  can  convey  no  living  germs  to 
surrounding  objects. 

4th.  The  material  inoculated  agrees  with  ordinary  chem- 
ical poisons  in  affecting  the  system  only  in  ratio  with  the 
dose.  It  has  no  power  of  self-multiplication,  with  conse- 
quent augmentation  of  its  power  for  evil. 

5th.  The  dose  can  be  graduated  as  easily  and  safely  as 
can  a  dose  of  morphia. 

6th.  By  a  succession  of  small  doses  we  can  keep  up  the 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  ^9 


effect  on  the  system,  without  at  any  time  endangering  life 
by  any  sudden  increase  of  germs,  and  their  deadly  products 
within  the  body. 

Tth.  The  inoculated  animal  may  be  kept  throughout 
among  the  uninoculated,  or  may  be  sent  at  once  to  any  part 
of  the  country  to  mingle  with  other,  stock  without  a  shadow 
of  risk  to  such  stock.     It  carries  no  living  germ. 

8th.  Neither  the  inoculated  animal  nor  its  surroundings 
is  in  any  need  of  seclusion  during  the  process,  as  there  is  no 
living  germ  present  which  visitors  may  carry  away  with 
them. 

9th.  Neither  inoculated  animals  nor  their  surroundings 
are  in  any  need  of  disinfection  before  contact  with  suscepti- 
ble animals  can  be  allowed. 

Drawbacks  to  the  Method  of  Protection  hy  Sterilized 
Virus.  1st.  The  main  objection  to  the  method  is  the  neces- 
sity of  keeping  up  a  constant  cultivation  of  the  germs  in 
their  virulent  form.  This  must  be  done  either  in  living 
animal  bodies  or  by  means  of  culture-fluids  and  solids  out 
of  the  body.  In  either  case  we  must  maintain  a  centre  of 
infection  to  supply  the  inoculating  material,  and  there  is  al- 
ways the  risk  that  germs  escaping  from  such  centres  will 
start  new  outbreaks  of  the  plague. 

2d.  Such  cultures  must  be  conducted  with  the  greatest 
care,  as,  alike  in  and  out  of  the  animal  body,  there  is  always 
the  liability  that  the  germ  may  change  its  habit  somewhat, 
lose  its  potency,  and  produce  an  ineffective  virus  only,  lack- 
ing in  either  quantity  or  quality.  Even  if  grown  out  of  the 
animal  body,  therefore,  a  continuous  chain  of  test  cases,  in 
inoculated  animals,  must  be  kept  up  to  test  the  efficacy  of 
the  cultures.  This  makes  the  centres  for  culture  extremely-, 
dangerous  centres  of  infection. 

3d.  Extreme  care  is  requisite  in  the  sterilizing  of  the  virus, 
as  the  slightest  failure  here  is  fatal  to  the  procedure,  and 
unless  the  precautions  arc  extreme  there  is  the  strongest 


70  The  FavTYier'^s  J^^^/'in^/'y  Admser. 

probability  of  tlie  conveyance  of  germs  on  instruments  or  on 
the  person  and  clothes  of  the  operator  or  his  assistants. 

4th.  Then,  too,  as  the  practice  is  often  called  for  in  herds, 
among  wliich  the  plague  in  question  has  already  appeared, 
there  is  always  the  probability  of  the  presence  of  germs  on 
the  surface  of  the  animal  inoculated,  and  unless  the  skin  is 
first  thoroughly  cleansed  and  disinfected  (say  with  chloride 
of  mercury,  1  to  1,000  water)  such  germs  are  liable  to  be  car- 
ried in  with  the  instrument  and  deposited  in  the  tissues. 

5th.  In  all  such  infected  herds,  too,  a  given  number  of 
animals  will  usually  have  the  germs  already  in  their  sys- 
tems, and  in  such  cases  the  sterilized  virus,  weakening  the 
vital  resistance  of  the  blood  and  tissues,  will  too  often  con- 
tribute to  intensify  the  already  implanted  disease. 

6th.  With  a  general  application  of  the  principle  it  would 
inevitably  happen  that  blunders  would  be  made  by  the 
owners  and  others  as  to  the  precise  nature  of  the  disease  to 
be  prevented,  and  thus  the  products  of  one  plague  would 
be  inoculated  to  prevent  the  irruption  of  another,  and  in 
the  consequent  failure  the  whole  sj^stem  would  receive  un- 
merited discredit.  To  avoid  this,  and  in  the  absence  of  the 
requisite  skill  for  diagnosis,  the  virus  should  be  obtained 
from  one  of  the  victims  in  the  herd,  and  prepared  with  all 
due  precaution  on  the  spot.  In  such  case  a  failure  would  be 
unlikely,  unless  the  subject  furnishing  the  virus  showed  only 
an  imperfectly  developed  type  of  the  malady,  or  unless  two 
diverse  maladies  existed  in  the  same  herd  at  the  same  time. 

7th.  Another  obvious  precaution  is  to  take  virus  only 
from  typical  cases  of  the  disease  to  be  prevented,  and  not 
from  those  which  show  any  defect  in  development  (as  the 
chemical  products  are  then  liable  to  be  wanting  in  strength) 
nor  from  advanced  nor  complicated  cases  (in  which  there 
may  be  superadded  germs  of  other  poisons  and  other  deadly 
products).  Thus  in  the  advanced  stages  of  disease  the 
propagation  of  septic  germs  is  not  at  all  uncommon. 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  71 

Limitation  of  Protection  hy  Sterilized  Products. 
While  it  is  evident  that  there  is  a  large  field  as  yet  uncul- 
tivated in  which  the  fruits  of  this  method  may  be  gathered, 
yet  there  are  obvious  limitations  to  its  application,  some  of 
which  may  be  shortly  stated. 

1st.  A  certain  number  of  animal  plagues  will  recur  in 
the  same  system  at  frequent  intervals.  Thus  aphthous 
fever  not  unfrequently  attacks  the  same  herd  twice  in  the 
course  of  a  single  year,  and  the  same  apparently  holds 
with  some  forms  of  equine  influenza.  It  would  be  folly, 
therefore,  to  expect  any  permanent  protection  from  inocu- 
lating the  chemical  products  of  these  diseases. 

2d.  A  certain  immber  of  infectious  diseases  cannot  be 
said  to  have  any  limit  set  to  their  duration.  Thus  tuber- 
culosis and  glanders  may  go  on  for  a  life-time,  the  inflamed 
and  embryonic  tissue  produced  under  the  influence  of  the 
poisonous  products  of  the  germ  furnishing  continual  acces- 
sions of  new  food  for  the  slowly  developing  germ,  and  thus 
determining  a  constant  extension  of  the  colonies  of  bacilli. 
It  is  absurd,  therefore,  to  expect  protection  by  the  use  of 
the  chemical  products  in  these  cases. 

3d.  It  may  turn  out  that  the  ptomaines  of  given  dis- 
eases are  volatile  and  would  be  dissipated  by  heat,  so  that 
the  final  sterilized  product  will  be  deficient  in  the  essential 
element  in  which  its  preventive  virtue  resides.  In  the 
inorganic  kingdom  we  have  the  alkali  ammonia  volatile  at 
ordinary  temperatures,  and  it  would  not  be  surprising  if  in 
the  organic  kingdom  a  certain  number  of  alkaloids  should 
also  prove  volatile.  In  such  cases  the  product  sterilized  by 
heat  would  be  useless. 

4th.  It  is  not  at  all  improbable  that  chemical  or  physical 
changes  may  be  effected  by  heat  in  the  ferment  or  alkaloid 
produced  by  a  disease-germ,  as  G^g  albumen  is  coagulated. 
Here  asrain  the  method  would  be  at  fault. 

5th.  In  other  methods  of  sterilization  similar  difl&culties 


72  T1i<i  Fanner^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

would  at  times  be  met  witli.  Thus  the  life  of  the  germ 
may  be  destroyed  by  oxygen  under  a  pressure  of  three 
atmospheres,  but  in  too  many  cases  it  is  to  be  feared  such 
intensified  oxygen  would  oxidize  the  chemical  products,  and 
thus  rob  them  of  all  their  virtue. 

In  cases  where  these  limitations  are  found  to  operate, 
there  may  perhaps  still  be  devised,  in  the  future,  other 
methods  of  sterilization  which  will  not  affect  the  chemical 
condition  nor  virulent  potency  of  the  disease-products,  and 
thus  the  grand  principle  of  prevention  by  sterilized  pi'oducts 
may  receive  a  much  wider  application  than  can  be  effected 
by  the  methods  of  sterilization  by  heat  or  compressed 
oxygen. 

Radical  Extinction  of  Animal  Plagues.  The  public 
appi'eciation  of  preventive  medicine  is  still  at  a  very  low 
ebb.  It  has  been  aptly  said,  people  will  give  "  millions  for 
cure,  but  not  a  cent  for  prevention."  It  is  incomprehensible 
how,  year  after  year,  and  generation  after  generation,  we 
can  see  the  human  race  dying  off  from  preventable  diseases, 
and  yet  with  true  fatalism  accept  it  all  as  the  inevitable. 
It  is  astounding  to  contemplate  the  thousands  of  tons  of 
quack  remedies^  so  called,  which  mankind  yearly  swallow, 
for  maladies  chargeable  only  on  their  own  ignorance  or 
neglect  of  available  means  of  prevention.  Still  more 
astounding  is  it  to  see  the  plagues  of  animals  imported  into 
a  new  country,  and  by  the  most  criminal  negligence  allowed 
to  acquire  a  general  prevalence,  when  the  prompt  sacrifice 
of  one  animal,  or  one  hundred,  or  one  thousand,  could  at  the 
different  stages  have  put  a  final  end  to  the  contagion.  Yet 
all  radical  measures  for  the  extirpation  of  animal  plagues 
are  habitually  treated  with  neglect  or  active  opposition  ; 
tlic  advocate  of  such  measures  is  told  that  "  his  duty  is  to 
cure,  not  kill,"  and  his  reasoninor  is  scouted  as  the  '*  loo-ic 
of  the  pole-axe."  And  all  this  not  by  the  common  people 
alone,  but  by  those  whose  position  would  entitle  us  to  expect 


Contagious  and  Ejpizootic  Diseases.  73 

from  them  better  things.  The  editors  of  powerful  news- 
papers, who  can  surely  never  have  given  ^vq  minutes' 
sober  and  intelligent  consideration  to  the  question,  join  in 
this  cry,  and  qnite  recently  Mr.  Clare  Sewell  Kead,  M.P., 
in  an  agricultural  address,  bewails  that  "  veterinary  science 
can  only  advise  them  to  kill."  Now  in  view  of  all  that  is 
set  forth  above,  our  readers  must  see  that  all  this  talk  is  but 
the  fruit  of  ignorance  and  slander,  and  that  for  the  plagues 
of  animals  we  are  to-day  in  a  better  position  to  offer  pre- 
ventive measures  than  is  the  practitioner  of  human  medi- 
cine for  the  pestilences  of  man. 

It  is  true  that  we  cannot  exercise  omnipotence  and  extin- 
guish infection  with  a  word,  nor  can  we  mail  to  any  point 
a  much  desired,  and  very  generally  believed  in,  panacea, 
which  will  cure  the  victims  of  all  contagla  from  ringworm 
to  rinderpest.  But  we  can  in  suitable  cases  procure  such 
conditions  of  life  and  such  power  of  resistance  in  the  animal 
economy  as  will  render  the  assaults  of  given  plagues  harm- 
less. 

As  veterinarians,  however,  and  as  citizens,  it  is  not  for  us 
to  advocate  especially  those  measures  which  would  protect 
the  individual  animal  or  the  individual  herd  at  the  cost  of 
danger  to  the  herds  around  them,  when  more  radical,  and,  in 
the  end,  cheaper  measures  can  be  availed  of  to  obviate  all 
necessity  for  these  partial  and  dangerous  methods  of  pro- 
tection. Veterinarians  have  been  freely  slandered  for  an 
alleged  desire  to  feed  luxuriantly  from  the  public  treasury. 
The  wonder  is  rather  that  more  of  the  profession  have  not 
pandered  to  the  public  prejudice,  and  advocated  and  engi- 
neered public  culture  establishments  from  which  the  vari- 
ously modified  virus  could  have  been  sent  out  everywhere 
at  a  handsome  profit.  Have  our  detractors  ever  thought 
of  how  many  millions  it  would  cost  yearly  to  inoculate  the 
liogs  of  the  United  States  as  a  protection  against  swine- 
plague?     And  of  how  many  millions  more  it  would  cost  to 


The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


inoculate  against  each  of  tlie  other  animal  plagues  now  exist- 
ing in  the  land  ?  The  radical  and  thorough  extinction  of 
these  plagues,  which,  to  their  credit  be  it  said,  the  better 
class  of  our  veterinarians  have  consistently  advocated,  has 
for  its  purpose  the  speedy  removal  from  the  land  of  all  need 
for  preventive  measures  apart  from  those  aimed  at  the  pre- 
vention of  renewed  importation  of  infection,  and  such  ex- 
tinction is  therefore  the.  only  method  that  looks  toward  the 
lessened  remuneration  of  veterinarians  as  a  body.  In  the 
face  of  these  facts  does  not  their  consistent  advocacy  of  ex- 
tinction of  contagion  savor  more  of  public-spiritedness  than 
of  the  selfishness  so  slanderously  attributed  ? 

For  the  instructed  and  high-minded  veterinarian  the  ques- 
tion is  mainly  one  of  political  economy.  It  is  simply  a  ques- 
tion of  how  we  can,  at  the  cheapest  rate  and  in  the  shortest 
period,  rid  ourselves  for  ever  of  our  pestilential  enemy,  and 
at  once  abolish  all  future  loss  and  worry  coming  from  this 
source.  There  is  only  one  answer :  £y  the  prompt  and 
remo7'seless  extinction  of  every  germ  of  contagion.  We 
need  make  no  account  here  of  the  sacredness  of  life.  The 
killing  of  an  infected  and  infecting  animal  is  not  murder. 
We  entertain  no  such  feelings  concerning  the  tens  of  thou- 
sands of  animals  that  die  daily  under  the  knife  of  the 
butcher,  and  the  lives  of  which  might  have  been  prolonged 
with  safety  to  others.  Why  should  we  hesitate  to  sacrifice 
the  few,  whose  systems  are  multiplying  by  inconceivable 
myriads  the  germs  that  are  so  deadly  to  others  of  their  race, 
and  which  in  the  case  of  several  plagues  are  now  costing  the 
country  more  every  year  than  it  would  take  to  exterminate 
them  once  for  all  ?  The  question  is  essentially  one  of  dol- 
lars and  cents.  The  only  moral  elements  that  enter  into  it 
are  the  questions  of  the  remuneration  of  the  stockowner  for 
the  animals  expropriated  for  the  public  good,  and  the  pro- 
tection of  the  public  at  large  from  the  consumption  of  dis- 
eased and  often  dangerous  meat  and  milk.     The  last  ques- 


Contagious  and  Ejpizootic  Diseases.  75 

tion  is  more  effectually  met  by  thorough  extinction  of  pesti- 
lence than  by  any  other  method,  and  the  indemnity  of  the 
owner  in  no  niggardly  spirit  is  a  simple  matter  of  justice 
on  the  part  of  the  nation  toward  the  citizen. 

Measures  for  Extinction  of  a  Prevailing  Plague.  It  is 
not  within  the  province  of  this  book  to  treat  fully  on  the  en- 
tire subject  of  veterinary  sanitary  administration,  yet  it 
seems  desirable  that  the  public  at  large  should  be  made  ac- 
quainted with  the  leading  principles  that  must  guide  such 
administration.  The  measures  will  necessarily  vary  with 
each  animal  plague,  and  to  some  extent  according  to  the  nat- 
ure of  the  local  animal  industry,  yet  some  general  princi- 
ples must  dominate  in  all  cases,  and  these  may  be  stated  un- 
der separate  headings. 

Setting  aside  the  preliminary  discovery  of  the  plague  in  a 
State  or  district  toward  which  investigations  must  often  be 
made  on  the  merest  suspicion,  in  a  country  where  move- 
ment is  so  free  as  with  us,  and  in  which  the  plague  in  ques- 
tion already  exists,  we  may  note  those  fundamental  meas- 
ures that  look  especially  toward  extinction. 

1st.  The  infected  district  must  be  proclaimed. 

2d.  All  movement  of  animals  susceptible  to  the  plague 
in  question  must  be  temporarily  stopped  in  the  infected  dis- 
trict. 

3d.  All  mingling  or  contact  of  separate  herds  of  suscepti- 
ble animals  within  said  district  must  be  put  a  stop  to. 

4th.  All  exposure  of  susceptible  animals  on  public  high 
ways  or  on  unfenced  pasturages  must  be  vigorously  inter- 
dicted. 

6th.  Insusceptible  animals  mingling  with  suspected  herds 
must  be  prohibited  from  passing  into  other  herds  of  suscepti- 
ble animals. 

6th.  Attendants  on  suspected  herds  must  be  rigidly  kept 
from  all  other  susceptible  animals.  Visitors  except  such  as 
attend  officially  must  be  excluded  from  all  suspected  herds. 


76  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 

7th.  Markets  or  fairs  in  infected  localities  must  not  be 
held. 

8th.  The  expiration  of  the  period  of  incnbation  will  lead 
to  the  development  of  cases  of  disease,  and  wherever  these 
appear  the  herd  must  be  even  more  rigidly  segregated. 

9th.  In  the  case  of  deadly  contagia  the  whole  herd  should 
be  at  once  condemned,  appraised  at  not  less  than  two- thirds 
their  sound  value,  and  promptly  slaughtered.  The  carcases 
of  animals  that  show  no  disease  after  death  may  be  sold  as 
human  food,  in  the  case  of  certain  diseases,  but  not  in  all. 
To  making  such  into  canned  food  there  is  no  objection. 
Hides  should  only  be  removed  after  a  prolonged  steeping  in 
solution  of  chloride  of  lime.  The  carcases  of  the  diseased 
are  best  destroyed  by  fire,  or  disinfected  by  boiling,  but  they 
may,  when  necessary,  be  deeply  buried  in  a  dry,  porous  soil, 
where  the  free  circulation  of  air  will  secure  an  early  disin- 
fection. 

10th.  The  building,  utensils,  yards,  etc.,  with  which  the 
infected  herd  has  come  in  contact  must  be  subjected  to  a 
thorough  disinfection.     (See  below,  Disinfection.) 

11th.  The  infected  buildings  must  be  left  empty  until  all 
danger  has  passed.  This  may  entail  thorough  aeration  for 
several  months  after  disinfecting  applications  have  been 
made. 

12th.  Hay,  fodder,  feed,  litter,  etc.,  in  infected  buildings 
should  be  destroyed. 

13th.  Manure  from  infected  places  must  be  burned  or  dis- 
infected with  chloride  of  lime. 

To  exclude  an  Animal  Plague  from  a  Country.  1st. 
Prohibit  all  importation  of  animals  susceptible  to  the  plague 
in  question,  and  of  tlieir  pi'oducts. 

2d.  Disinfect  the  surface  of  all  imported  animals  of  a 
genus  insusceptible  to  the  plague,  but  that  may  have  cohab- 
ited with  those  that  are  susceptible. 

3d.  Disinfect  all  blankets,  or  other  clothing  and  utensils 


ions  and  Ejnzootic  Diseases.  77 

imported  witli  such  animals,  the  clothing  of  their  attendants, 
and  the  clothing  of  all  emigrants  who  have  had  to  do  with 
susceptible  animals. 

4th.  In  place  of  absolute  jproliihition^  as  called  for  in  No. 
1,  susceptible  animals  must  be  imported  under  careful  re- 
strictions, including  a  quarantine  after  arrival  for  a  period 
equal  to  the  longest  known  incubation  of  the  plague  which 
it  is  desired  to  exclude. 

5th.  Prohibit  the  importation  of  baled  hay,  straw,  or  other 
farm  product^  in  the  preparation  or  removal  of  which  the 
domestic  animals  are  usually  employed,  or  which  is  usually 
stored  in  buildings  beside  the  dwellings  of  such  animals. 

These  headings  are  only  given  as  illustrative  of  the  gen- 
eral principles  which  must  be  carried  out  in  such  cases.  In 
putting  them  in  practice  they  must  be  elaborated  materially 
in  various  directions.  But  in  thus  elaborating  and  adminis- 
tering them  no  laxit}^  and  no  exceptions  must  be  admitted. 
In  many  of  the  concerns  of  life  a  blunder  or  neglect  results 
in  an  immediate  loss,  the  extent  of  which  can  be  at  once  seen 
and  the  after-effects  of  which  are  nil.  But  in  dealins^  with 
the  invisible  but  unspeakably  prolific  bacteria  of  animal 
plagues,  a  blunder  is  quite  likely  to  prove  fatal,  and  anything 
like  laxity  is  almost  of  necessity  the  road  to  failure  and  ruin. 
It  is  in  this  respect  that  the  man  of  business  usually  fails. 
The  dealer  demands  that  live  stock  shall  be  examined  at  a 
particular  point  and  a  certificate  of  health  shall  be  given  if 
no  disease  is  discovered.  The  magistrate  carries  out  the  law 
in  (what  he  calls)  its  sjpirit  (?),  ignoring  its  letter,  and  undoes 
everything  which  it  was  designed  to  effect.  The  legislator 
insists  that  his  constituent  and  supporter  has  selected  his 
stock  with  extreme  care,  and  that  there  can  be  no  danger  in 
making  the  quarantine  merely  nominal  in  his  particular  case. 
The  city  magnate  finding  that  his  animals  from  an  infected 
locality  cannot  be  admitted  to  a  public  sale,  makes  a  ficti- 
tious sale  to  some  one  outside  in  order  that  Lis  stock  may 
7* 


78  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ostensibly  come  from  another  district  and  thus  gain  admit- 
tance. The  agents  of  great  live  stock  interests  are  sent  into 
Congress  and  to  foreign  lands  to  deny  point-blank  the  ex- 
istence of  animal  plagues  that  are  simply  notorious  in  their 
prevalence.  The  patriotic  citizen  demands  the  appointment 
of  two  or  three  microscopists  to  examine  and  certify  to  the 
soundness  of  our  meat-products  in  a  centre  where  many 
thousands  are  butchered  daily  and  where  a  whole  army  of 
microscopists  could  not  satisfactorily  carry  out  such  work. 
In  no  other  field  of  human  activity  is  a  most  thorough  know- 
ledge of  the  subject  and  a  most  unbending  and  impartial 
administration  demanded  than  in  this. 


DISrNTECTION. 

Disinfection  cannot  be  treated  fully  in  the  short  space  that 
can  here  be  given  to  it,  yet  the  general  principles  and  some 
of  the  more  potent  of  the  agents  employed  may  be  noticed. 

The  first  and  main  object  in  disinfection  is  to  secure  per- 
fect cleanliness.  From  the  buildings,  cars,  loading  banks, 
ships,  quays,  yards,  manure-pits,  drains,  cesspools,  harness, 
clothing,  utensils,  etc.,  all  decaying  organic  matter  should  be 
removed,  by  scraping,  washing,  emptying,  etc.,  as  such  decom- 
posing organic  matter  is  the  food  which  sustains  and  pre- 
serves the  disease-germs  out  of  the  body.  Even  the  water 
and  air  must  be  carefully  seen  to,  since  in  close  places  they 
are  usually  charged  with  invisible  particles  of  organic  matters 
in  a  state  of  decay,  the  most  suitable  field  for  the  grow^th  of 
contagious  principles.  These,  too,  tend  to  purify  themselves 
in  a  free  circulation  of  air,  and  ventilation  may  be  largely 
relied  upon  for  this  purpose,  unless  the  deleterious  supplies 
are  too  abundant  from  some  adjacent  putrid  accumulation, 
as  dung-heaps,  cesspools,  leaky  drains,  or  soil  saturated  with 
filth.  Purity  of  the  surroundings  kills  many  contagious  ele- 
ments on  the  principle  of  starvation. 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  79 

Some  disinfectants  operate  by  destructive  oxidation  of  the 
infecting  material.  Simple  aeration  often  acts  thus,  and 
much  more  when  the  aerial  oxygen  is  combined  in  the  form 
of  ozone,  so  abundant  after  thunder-storms,  and  developed  to 
a  lesser  extent  by  camphor  and  some  of  the  essential  oils. 
Ozone  is,  however,  rapidly  used  up  in  filthy  stables,  in  cities, 
and  in  connection  with  decomposing  organic  matters  gen- 
erally. 

A  much  more  prompt,  thorough,  and  reliable  oxidizing 
disinfectant  is  fike.  Burning  is  the  best  of  all  disinfect- 
ants. Rotten  and  filth-saturated  wood-work,  infected  ma- 
nure, fodder,  litter,  and  even  the  infected  carcases  of  animals 
may  be  safely  disposed  of  in  this  way.  It  may  be  used  in  a 
plumber's  charcoal  stove  placed  in  all  parts  of  a  stable  in 
succession,  or  over  the  opening  of  a  drain,  or  as  a  lamp  in 
the  ventilating  outlet  of  an  infected  building. 

Certain  oxygen-bearing  agents,  like  running,  rippling,  or 
falling  water,  and  inert  powders  (charcoal,  plaster-of-Paris) 
which  condense  ox^^gen  on  their  surface,  and  bring  it  into 
closer  contact  with  the  adjoining  germs  and  their  products; 
also  chemical  agents  which  liberate  oxygen  (chlorine  gas, 
chloride  of  lime,  permanganate  of  potassa,  peroxide  of 
hydrogen,  iodine,  bromine,  hyponitric  acid,  bichromate  of 
potass  a,  etc.),  are  more  or  less  effective  in  the  same  way. 
Other  agents  act  on  the  germs  in  different  ways,  such  as  by 
abstracting  the  oxygen  requisite  to  the  life  of  the  gei'm,  by 
coagulating  its  albuminous  substance  and  otherwise.  To 
this  class  belong  the  fumes  of  burning  sulphur,  the  salts  of 
zinc,  iron,  manganese,  copper,  and  mercury,  also  carbolic  and 
cresylic  acids,  creosote,  thymol,  menthol,  and  allied  agents. 

Among  these  none  holds  a  higher  place  than  chloride  of 
mercury,  but  its  highly  poisonous  nature  forbids  its  general 
use.  In  its  place  chloride  of  lime  may  be  confidently  and 
safely  used  in  the  proportion  of  four  ounces  to  every  gallon 
of  a  lime  whitewash.     Such  a  preparation  has  the  advan- 


80  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tage  of  showing  clearly  the  extent  of  its  application,  insur- 
ing that  no  part  shall  be  missed,  and  thus  it  becomes  even 
a  more  certain  disinfectant  than  the.  more  potent  salt  of 
mercury.  As  a  powder  it  may  be  sprinkled  on  floors, 
yards,  manure-heaps,  and  in  drains,  cess-pools,  etc. 

For  dairies,  in  which  the  smell  of  the  chloride  of  lime 
will  injure  the  milk,  chloride  of  zinc  may  be  substituted. 

Chlorine  gas,  set  free  by  pouring  sulphuric  acid  on  com- 
mon salt,  with  a  slight  admixture  of  black  oxide  of  man- 
ganese, is  one  of  the  most  effective  pui-ifiers  of  the  air  of 
buildings.  Doors  and  windows  should  be  closed,  though 
light  is  beneficial  to  its  action.  The  salt  and  black  manga- 
nese should  be  placed  in  a  bowl  in  the  centre  of  the  floor, 
and  the  operator,  taking  a  full  breath,  should  pour  in  the 
sulphuric  acid  and  retreat  outside  the  door  l)efoi-e  taking 
another  breath.  The  gas  is  a  violent  and  suffocating  irri- 
tant, and  if  inhaled  is  promptly  fatal. 

Sulpliurous  acid  gas,  obtained  by  burning  sulphur  in  a 
metal  pot,  ma}^  be  fairly  started,  then  left  in  the  centre  of 
the  room  and  all  outlets  closed  for  from  five  to  ten  hours. 
The  same  precautions  are  necessary  as  with  chlorine,  for 
though  it  is  somewhat  less  irritating  it  is  equally  suffocating. 
Both  gases  will  act  on  solids  as  w-ell  as  on  the  air,  and  to 
make  sure  of  their  action  the  air  and  surfaces  should  be 
charged  with  moisture.  Perfectly  dry  germs  will  often 
survive,  whereas  moist  ones  are  quickly  destroyed.  Hence, 
a  current  of  steam  may  be  sent  into  the  building,  or  all 
exposed  surfaces  may  be  watered  befoi-e  the  gas  is  set  free. 

Some  disinfectants  act  by  merely  changing  the  physical 
condition  of  organic  matter,  and  thereby  desti'oying  the 
vitality  of  the  living  germ,  without  any  chemical  abstraction 
from,  or  addition  to,  its  constituents.  Thus  heating  to  the 
boiling-point  (212^  F.)  coagulates  albuminous  matters  and 
destroys  infectious  principles  generally.  But  it  must  be 
prolonged  for  a  variable  time,  according  to  the  size  of  the 


Contagious  and  Epizootic  Diseases.  81 

object,  to  allow  of  the  lieat  penetrating  to  all  parts  alike. 
In  the  case  of  genns  which  have  formed  resting  spores,  it 
may  be  further  needful  to  repeat  the  boiling  on  several 
successive  days,  time  being  allowed  in  the  interv^al  for  the 
development  of  the  spore  into  the  more  destructible  bac- 
terium. Clothing  may  be  heated  in  an  oven  to  300°  F.,  or, 
safer,  boiled,  and  even  the  prolonged  application  of  hot 
transparent  steam,  directed  fi-om  a  hose  upon  wood-work, 
etc.,  previously  well  cleaned,  is  found  effectual. 

Some  poisons,  like  those  of  Texas  fever,  cholera,  and 
yellow  fever,  ai-e  destroyed  by  freezing,  while  the  majority 
are  merely  imprisoned  in  the  ice,  but  resume  their  evil  w^ork 
as  soon  as  they  are  thawed  out. 

Carbolic  acid  may  also  be  used  in  occupied  buildings, 
being  allowed  to  evaporate  from  shallow  basins,  alone  or 
mixed  with  ether  or  alcohol,  from  saturated  rugs  hung  up 
at  intervals,  or  from  cloth-lined  ventilating  inlets,  kept 
saturated  with  the  acid,  or,  finally,  it  may  be  diffused 
through  the  air  of  a  building  by  an  atomizer.  It  is,  how- 
ever, rather  an  antiseptic  than  a  germicide,  preventing  the 
propagation  and  increase  of  germs,  while  it  really  fails  to 
kill  them.  Carbolic  and  cresylic  acids  may  also  be  used 
for  disinfecting  solids  and  liquids,  being  poured  into  drains 
or  sprinkled  on  the  floors,  walls,  and  other  parts  of  the 
building.  For  the  latter  purpose  the  strong  acid  may  be 
diluted  with  one  hundred  times  its  weight  of  water.  The 
cheap  impure  acid  is  usually  preferred  for  dung-lieaps, 
yards,  and  other  outside  purposes  but  is  disagreeable  indoors. 
Coal-tar  and  wood-tar^  from  their  contained  carbolic  acid 
and  allied  products  are  also  good  for  out-door  uses. 

The  following  are  especially  applicable  to  solids  and 
liquids : 

Chloride  of  lime  sprinkled  on  floors,  yards,  dung-heaps, 
etc.,  or  applied  to  walls,  wood-work,  etc.,  or  poured  into 
drains,  as  a  solution  of  ilb.  to  a  gallon  of  water. 


82  The  Farmer's  Yeterinai^  Adviser. 

Chloride  of  zinc  is  equally  efficient  but  more  expensive, 
and  chloride  of  aluminium  (choralwrri)  is  somewhat  less 
potent. 

Sulphate  of  iron  (coppe/xis)  is  one  of  the  most  efficient 
and  cheapest  disinfectants  for  drains,  manure,  floors,  yards, 
etc.,  and  may  be  applied  either  in  fine  powder  or  in  solu- 
tion. 

The  sulphate  of  copjyer  and  zinc  imdi  perchloride  of  iron 
are  efficient,  but  much  more  expensive. 

Saturated  solutions  of  caustic  potassa  and  soda  ai-e 
satisfactory  for  wood-work,  harness,  and  utensils,  but  they 
are  useless  if  diluted.  Lime  is  useful  in  graves  by  absorb- 
ing the  water  and  uniting  with  the  organic  debris,  but 
is  very  unsatisfactory  as  a  general  disinfectant. 

Permanganate  of  potassa  promptly  changes  putrefying 
organic  matter,  rendering  it  sweet  and  wholesome,  but  it  is 
questionable  how  far  it  can  destroy  living  organic  germs, 
of  which  many  of  the  contagious  principles  are  composed. 
The  same  remarks  apply  to  charcoal^  animal  and  vegetable, 
and  to  earth,  especially  that  containing  a  considerable  pro- 
portion of  clay  or  marl. 


CHAPTER  III. 

SPECIFIC  CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES. 

Variola  in  animals.  Horse-pox.  Cow-pox.  Sheep-pox.  Goat-pox.  Swine- 
pox. Dog-pox.  Bird-pox.  Aphthous  fever,  foot-and-mouth  disease.  Rinder- 
pest. Lung-plague.  Contagious  pleuro-pneumonia.  Strangles.  Influenza. 
Typhoid  or  bilious  fever.  Canine  distemper.  Asiatic  cholera.  Swine-plague. 
Hog-cholera.  Texas  fever.  Canine  madness,  rabies.  Bacillar  anthrax. 
Vibrionic  anthrax.  Pyaemia.  Septicaemia.  Bird -cholera.  Chicken-cholera. 
Actino-mycosis.  Milk  sickness.  "The  trembles."  Glanders  and  farcy. 
Venereal  disease  of  solipeds.     Tuberculosis.     Quebra-bunda.     Beri-beri. 

VARIOLA  m  ANIMALS. 
HORSE-POX. 

This  is  identical  with  cow-pox,  being  indistinguishable 
when  inoculated  on  men  and  cattle.  It  most  frequently  at- 
tacks the  limbs,  but  may  affect  the  face  or  other  part  of  the 
body.  There  is  usually  some  little  fever,  w^iich,  however, 
passes  unnoticed  by  the  owner.  Then  swelling,  heat,  and 
tenderness  supervene,  commonly  in  a  heel,  and  firm  nodules 
form,  increasing  to  one-third  or  one-half  inch  in  diameter, 
the  hair  bristles  up,  and  the  skin  reddens  unless  previously 
colored.  On  the  ninth  to  the  twelfth  day  a  limpid  fluid 
oozes  from  the  surface  and  agglutinates  the  hairs  in  yellow- 
ish scabs,  on  the  removal  of  which  a  red,  raw  depression  is 
seen  with  the  scab  fixed  in  its  centre.  In  three  or  four  days 
the  secretion  ceases,  the  scabs  dry  up,  and  the  parts  heal 
spontaneously.  It  is  easily  transmitted  from  horse  to  horse, 
to  man,  or  to  cow.  No  treatment  is  required  beyond  weak 
astringent  lotions  (carbolic  acid  1  dr.,  water  1  quart)  or 
bland  ointments. 


84  Thii  Fanner'' s  Veterinary  Adviser 


COW-POX. 

This  is  the  same  disease  appearing  in  the  cow.  There  is 
a  preliminary  slight  fever,  usually  overlooked,  succeeded  by 
some  diminution  and  increased  coagulability  of  the  milk  and 
the  appearance  of  the  pox  on  the  udder  and  teats.  The  ud- 
der is  hot  and  tender  for  a  day  or  two,  then  little  pale  red 
nodules,  about  as  big  as  peas  appear,  growing  to  three- 
fourths  to  one  inch  in  breadth  by  the  eighth  or  tenth  day, 
acquiring  liquid  contents,  and  often  a  central  depression  on 
the  summit.  The  liquid  in  each  pock  is  contained  in 
several  distinct  sacs  and  cannot  be  all  extracted  without  a 
succession  of  punctures  on  different  parts.  It  contains  a 
micrococcus.  The  liquid,  at  first  clear,  changes  to  ^^ellowish 
white  (pus)  and  soon  dries  up,  the  whole  forming  a  hard 
crust  which  is  gradually  detached.  On  the  teats  the  blisters 
are  early  ruptured  and  raw  sores  form,  often  proving  A^ery 
obstinate,  and  even  leading  to  inflammation  of  the  udder, 
abortion,  or  death. 

Treatment  is  scarcely  ever  demanded  further  than  to  ob- 
viate sores  on  the  teats.  A  mild  laxative  of  Epsom  salts  is, 
however,  usually  desirable.  The  teats  may  be  smeared  with 
an  ointment  formed  of  an  ounce  each  of  spermaceti  and  al- 
mond oil,  and  half  a  drachm  of  myrrh.  Milking-tubes  may 
be  necessary  to  avoid  injury  by  drawing  the  teats. 

In  many  localities  the  disease  appears  in  all  newly  calved 
heifers  on  particular  farms,  in  which  case  it  would  be  well 
to  purify  the  barns  by  a  thorough  disinfection. 

SHEEP-POX. 

Though  unknown  in  America  there  is  no  improbability 
of  this  disease  reaching  us  through  importations  of  sheep, 
hides,  or  wool.  Like  small-pox  of  man,  it  is  only  known  as 
a  contagious  disease.     The  incithation  or  latent  jyeriod  of 


specific  Contagious  Diseases.  85 

the  poison,  after  it  enters  the  sj^stem,  is  from  three  to  six 
days  in  summer,  and  from  ten  to  twelve  in  winter.  Then 
there  is  loss  of  appetite,  dullness,  dropping  behind  the  flock, 
and  stiffness  of  tlie  hind  parts.  This  is  followed  bj  trem- 
bling, increased  temperature,  very  manifest  on  the  bare  and 
delicate  parts  of  the  skin  on  wdiich  the  eruption  usually 
takes  place,  loss  of  appetite  and  rumination,  costiveness,  red, 
weeping  eyes,  a  discharge  from  the  nose,  and  the  appear- 
ance of  red  patches  inside  the  limbs  and  along  the  abdomen. 
Soon  minute  red  points  appear  and  increase  to  papules,  with 
a  firm  base  extending  into  the  deeper  parts  of  the  skin. 
These  are  flat  on  the  summit  (rarely  pointed  or  indented), 
and  become  pale  or  clear  in  the  centre,  from  the  effusion  of 
liquid  beneath  the  scurf -skin,  with  a  red  margin.  With  the 
appearance  of  the  eruption  the  fever  moderates,  but  in- 
creases again  in  three  or  four  days  with  the  development 
and  irritability  of  the  vesicles.  These  may  remain  indi- 
vidually distinct  {discrete),  in  which  case  the  attack  is  mild, 
or  they  may  run  together  into  extensive  patches  {confluent), 
when  the  result  is  likely  to  be  serious.  The  pocks  will  even 
appear  on  the  visual,  digestive,  or  respiratory  mucous  mem- 
brane. The  eruption  passes  through  the  same  course  of  exu- 
dation, suppuration,  drying,  and  dropping  off  as  in  cow-pox. 
The  duration  of  the  disease  is  three  weeks  or  a  month. 
The  mortality  in  the  milder  forms  may  not  exceed  seven 
per  one  hundred,  in  the  more  severe  it  may  destroy  almost 
the  whole  flock.  But  the  losses  of  lambs  by  abortion,  of 
wool,  sight,  hearing,  hoofs,  digits,  flesh,  and  general  vigor 
often  render  recoveries  anything  but  unmixed  blessings. 
The  germ  is  a  micrococcus. 

Treatment.  Keep  in  cool,  dry,  well-aired  and  littered 
sheds,  shelter  from  rain,  and  feed  roots,  or,  if  verj^  w^eak, 
oat-  and  bean-meal  gruels,  with  a  drachm  of  saltpetre  to 
each  sheep.  Common  salt  may  be  supplied  to  be  licked, 
and   the   drinking-water   may   be    slightly  acidulated  with 


86  The  Fanner's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

vinegar.  The  bowels  should  be  opened  by  injections  of 
milk- warm  soapsuds,  or  3  oz.  sulphate  of  soda  if  necessary. 
Avoid  heating  agents.  In  the  advanced  stages  support  by 
quinia,  gentian,  nitric  acid,  and  nutritious  gruels,  even 
animal  broths.  The  pustules  may  be  treated  with  the 
ointment  advised  for  cow-pox,  or,  if  unhealthy,  with  weak 
solutions  of  chloride  of  zinc. 

Prevention.  Nothing  short  of  general  infection  will 
justify  the  treatment  of  this  disease.  It  should  be  excluded 
from  our  country  by  the  most  stringent  supervision  over 
the  importation  of  sheep  and  their  products,  and  when  it 
does  appear  should  be  promptly  stamped  out  by  the  de- 
struction and  disinfection  of  the  sick  and  the  purification 
of  all  with  which  they  have  come  in  contact.  Inoculation 
as  a  measure  of  prevention  is  unwarrantable  except  in  the 
case  of  wide-spread  infection,  a  contingency  which  ought 
never  to  arise  in  this  country. 

GOAT-POX. 

This  is  a  rare  and  mild  affection,  with  an  eruption  on  the 
udder  and  teats  closely  resembling  that  of  Cow-pox.  It 
has  been  thought  to  be  spontaneous  in  the  goat,  but  is 
known  to  be  derived  from  sheep  suffering  from  Sheejp-jpox, 
It  follows  a  mild  course  and  requires  the  same  care  as  Cow- 
j[)0X.  Seclusion  or  destruction  and  disinfection  are,  how- 
ever, imperative  wdien  danger  is  likely  to  arise  for  sheep. 

SWINE-POX. 

This  is  more  frequent  than  Goat-pox.  It  is  communica- 
ble to  man  and  goat.  Young  pigs  are  thought  to  be  most 
liable.  The  eruption  appears  inside  the  forearm  and  thighs, 
and  is  usually  preceded  by  considerable  fever.  It  is  discrete 
or  confluent  like  Sheep-pox^  and  the  severity  corresponds. 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases,  87 

The  duration  of  the  mild  forms  is  twelve  to  fifteen  days. 
Treatment  is  similar  to  that  of  Sheep-j>ox  and  the  same 
precautions  should  be  taken  to  prevent  its  dissemination, 

DOG-POX. 

These  animals  sometimes  contract  Small-pox  or  Sheep- 
pox,  and  have  been  supposed  to  have  their  own  specific 
form  besides.  The  young  suffer  most  frequently  and  se- 
verely. There  is  the  usual  preliminary  fever,  with  an 
eruption  on  the  sides  and  belly  passing  from  pimples  to 
vesicles  and  pustules,  and  finally  drying  up  into  crusts  which 
drop  off.  The  eruption  may  be  discrete  or  confluent,  the 
latter  being  very  fatal.  Similar  preventive  measures  are 
demanded,  as  in  the  other  forms  of  pox, 

BIKD-POX. 

Birds  seem  susceptible  to  different  forms  of  variola,  hav- 
ing contracted  the  disease  from  man  in  some  cases,  and  in 
others  conveyed  it  to  the  sheep.  Chickens  failed  to  con- 
tract Cow-pox  in  the  experiments  of  Eoll  and  myself.  It 
has  proved  very  fatal  in  chickens,  but  very  sliglitly  so  in 
pigeons,  turkeys,  and  geese.  The  eruption  appears  mainly 
on  the  head,  under  the  wing,  on  the  tongue,  or  in  the 
pharynx.  In  fatal  cases  death  ensued  hi  four  or  five  days. 
Treatment  would  rarely  be  desirable,  the  great  point  being 
to  stamp  out  the  malady  by  destroying  the  diseased  and 
disinfecting  the  place. 

APHTHOUS   FEVER.       FOOT-AND-MOUTH    DISEASE. 

A  contagious  eruptive  fever,  attacking  cloven-footed 
animals  and  communicable  to  other  warm-blooded  animals, 
including  even  man.  Its  special  feature  is  the  eruption  of 
blisters  in  the  mouth,  on  the  udder  and  teats,  and  on  the 


88  Tke  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

feet.  It  is  only  known  as  communicated  by  contagion, 
whether  in  Western  Europe,  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland, 
where  it  was  introduced  in  1839-42,  or  in  North  and  South 
America,  which  it  reached  in  1870  by  imported  stock. 
Like  the  other  animal  plagues  it  follows  in  the  track  of 
great  armies  and  in  the  channels  of  commerce.  The  con- 
tagion does  not  readily  spread  on  the  air,  a  river  or  common 
road  being  often  sufficient  to  limit  it,  but  no  poison  is  more 
certainly  transmitted  by  contact,  direct  or  through  the 
medium  of  human  beings,  tame  or  wild  animals,  fodder, 
litter,  manure,  clothing,  drinking- troughs,  etc.,  etc.  Milk 
is  one  of  the  most  frequent  sources  of  contagion  to  pigs, 
dogs,  and  even  to  infants,  producing  the  most  dangerous 
intestinal  irritation  and  diarrhoea. 

Symptoms.  The  poison  may  remain  latent  in  the  system 
for  one  or  two  days,  or,  in  exceptional  cases,  perhaps  as  many 
as  six.  Then  there  is  roughness  of  the  coat  or  shivering,  in- 
creased temperature,  dry  muzzle,  hot  red  mouth,  teats,  and 
interdigital  spaces,  lameness,  inclination  to  lie,  and  shrink- 
ing from  the  hand  in  milking.  The  second  or  third  day 
blisters  arise  on  any  part  of  the  whole  interior  of  the  mouth, 
one-half  to  one  inch  in  breadth,  or  on  the  teats  and  between 
the  digits  about  one-half  inch  across.  Saliva  drivels  from 
the  mouth,  collecting  in  froth  around  the  lips,  and  a  loud 
smacking  is  made  with  the  lips  and  tongue.  Swine  champ 
the  jaws.  Sheep  and  swine  suffer  more  especially  in  the 
feet,  often  losing  the  hoofs  or  even  the  digital  bones,  a  con- 
tingency not  unknown  in  neglected  cattle. 

Among  the  consequences  may  be  named  the  loss  of  milk, 
inflamed  udders,  blind  teats,  a  habit  of  vicious  kicking, 
abortions,  permanent  lameness,  and  a  lengthened  incapacity 
for  the  dairy,  for  feeding,  or  work.  If  well  cared  for  the 
disease  passes  in  fifteen  days,  leaving  no  ill  consequence,  ex- 
cepting the  poison  hidden  away  in  the  building.  The  aver- 
age loss  in  ilesh  is  $5  to  $10  ;  in  dairy  cows  it  is  much  more. 


Specific,  Contagious  Diseases.  89 


Treatment.  A  laxative  (Epsom  salts)  ;  astringent  moiitli- 
wasli  (borax  and  tincture  of  myrrh  1  oz.  each,  water  1  qt.  ; 
or  carbolic  acid  1  dr.,  honey  2  oz.,  vinegar  1  pt.,  water  1  pt.) ; 
a  lotion  for  the  teats  (carbolic  acid  \  dr.,  glycerine  10  oz.) ; 
and  a  dressing  for  the  feet  (oil  of  vitriol  1  oz.,  water  4  oz., 
to  be  applied  with  a  feather  after  cleaning  the  space  between 
the  hoofs  by  drawing  a  cloth  through  it).  After  dressing, 
tie  np  the  feet  in  a  tar  bandage.  The  hind  feet  are  easily 
dressed  if  two  men  raise  each  separately  with  a  long,  stout 
fork-handle  passed  in  front  of  the  hock.  In  dressing  the 
feet  all  detached  horn  should  be  removed  and  a  poultice 
applied  if  inflammation  runs  high.  Soft  cold  mashes  or 
thinly  sliced  or  pulped  roots  are  the  best  food  throughout. 

Prevention.  Importation  of  diseased  animals  should  be 
sufficiently  guarded  against.  Diseased  stock  should  be 
rigidly  secluded  from  all  but  the  necessary  attendants,  who 
ought  to  be  disinfected  on  leaving  the  enclosure.  Wild  ani- 
mals, even  birds,  should  be  excluded.  Every  place  where 
the  diseased  have  been  should  be  closed  for  a  winter  or  dis- 
infected, the  milk  should  be  buried  in  a  safe  place,  or  boiled 
and  given  to  pigs ;  manure,  infected  litter,  etc.,  may  be  burned, 
or  disinfected,  removed,  and  ploughed  under  by  horses.  No 
diseased  animal  should  be  moved  until  fifteen  days  after  full 
recovery,  and  it  should  first  be  sponged  over  with  a  carbolic- 
acid  wash. 

RUSSIAN   CATTLE-PLAGUE.       RINDERPEST. 

A  contagious  fever  of  cattle  communicable  to  other  rumi- 
nants and  characterized  by  a  general  congestion  of  the  mu- 
cous membranes,  but,  above  all,  those  of  the  stomach  and 
intestines,  and  an  excessive  growth  and  shedding  of  the 
superficial  layers  of  cells  on  the  skin  and  nmcous  mem- 
branes. It  is  only  propagated  by  contagion,  at  least,  out  of 
tlie  Kirghiz  steppes  and  Kherson  district  in  Southern  Eus- 
sia,  but  spreads  farther  on  the  air  than  Ai?hthous  Fever. 
8* 


90  The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Achiser. 

SymptoTTis,  Incubation  lasts  about  two  days  until  the 
temperature  of  the  body  is  elevated,  or  four  days  until  the  ap- 
pearance of  outward  signs  of  illness.  By  this  time  the 
mouth,  inside  the  lips,  on  the  dental  pad  of  the  upper  jaw, 
or  around  the  gums  of  the  lower  front  teeth,  shows  minute 
white  elevations,  like  the  aphtha  of  the  mouths  of  children, 
calves,  and  lambs  suffering  from  thrush  (muguet).  This  may 
be  exceedingly  slight  and  transient,  but  is  most  characteristic. 
The  other  mucous  membranes,  (eye,  vulva,  rectum,  nose) 
show  a  more  or  less  dark  flush,  and  concretions  may  ap- 
pear around  these  and  on  otlier  parts  of  the  skin,  especially 
the  teats.  These  are  solid  aggregations  of  epithelial  cells, 
not  vesicles  nor  pustules.  In  twenty-four  hours  they  undergo 
fatty  softening  and  are  easily  detached,  leaving  small  pink 
erosions,  and  by  the  sixth  day  a  great  part  of  the  mouth  and 
muzzle  may  have  become  raw,  and  the  surrounding  mucous 
membrane  of  a  deep  red.  About  the  fourth  day  the  skin  feels 
greasy,  and  dullness  and  impaired  appetite  and  rumination 
appear.  In  cows  the  milk  is  diminished,  is  richer  in  cream, 
and  even  slightly  coagulable.  Urine  becomes  scanty  and  of 
a  high  color  and  density.  These  signs  increase  until  the 
sixth  day,  when  the  mouth  is  often  raw,  saliva  drivels,  appe- 
tite and  rumination  gone,  bowels  relaxed,  the  dung  passed 
with  much  straining  and  pain,  the  everted  gut  appearing  of 
a  deep  red  or  port-wine  hue,  the  ears  are  drawn  back,  head 
pendent,  eyes  half-closed  and  watery,  back  arched  and  often 
insensible  to  pinching,  abdominal  muscles  tense  and  resist- 
ant, and  there  is  a  peculiar  check  in  the  act  of  expiration, 
the  breath  being  suddenly  arrested  with  a  flapping  sound 
and  concussion  of  the  entire  body,  to  be  exhaled  a  second  or 
two  later  with  a  grunting  noise.  Sighing  and  whistling 
sounds  are  heard  in  the  chest  and  it  becomes  unnaturally 
drum-like  to  percussion.  A  sudden  lowering  of  temperature 
is  usually  the  precursor  of  death,  which  liappens  on  the 
seventh  or  eighth  day. 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  91 


Nervous  symptoms  appear  in  some  outbreaks,  with  de- 
lirium, butting,  shivering,  and  tenderness  of  the  loins,  while 
in  the  milder  cases  the  peculiar  eruption  may  be  almost 
altogether  confined  to  the  skin. 

The  symptoms  in  other  ruminants  are  essentially  tiie 
same  as  in  the  ox,  and  in  the  peccary  there  is  sufficient  re- 
semblance for  recognition. 

The  mortality  out  of  its  native  habitat  usually  amounts  to 
forty  per  cent,  and  upward. 

Treatment.  The  treatment  of  this  plague  should  be 
legally  prohibited  under  all  circumstances.  All  the  at- 
tempts of  tlie  different  schools  of  medicine  and  of  empiri- 
cism have  only  increased  its  ravages,  while  nations  and  even 
countries  and  districts  that  have  vigorously  stamped  it  out 
and  excluded  it  have  saved  their  property. 

Prevention.  The  advent  of  this  plague  should  be  pre- 
vented by  a  sufficient  supervision  of  our  ports  and  fron- 
tiers and  a  quarantine  of  stock.  If  admitted,  the  victims 
should  be  ruthlessly  destroyed,  deeply  buried,  and  all  places 
and  things  with  which  they  have  come  in  contact  disinfected 
in  the  most  perfect  manner. 

THE  LUNG-PLAGUE  OF  CATTLE,  CONTAGIOUS  PLEURO-PNEUMONIA. 

A  specific  contagious  fever  of  cattle,  with  extensive  ex- 
udation into  the  chest  and  lungs  containing  a  micrococcus. 

Like  the  other  plagues  already  noticed  this  is  only  known 
in  Europe  and  America  as  a  contagious  disease.  Its  impor- 
tation into  the  different  countries  of  Europe  has  always 
been  traceable  to  the  introduction  of  diseased  beasts  or  their 
products.  The  assertion  of  the  immortal  Ilaller,  more  than 
a  century  ago,  that  it  is  propagated  by  contagion,  has  re- 
ceived the  amplest  confirmation  in  recent  times.  It  invaded 
Ireland  in  1839-40  by  Dutch  cattle,  England  in  1842  by 
Irish  and  Dutch  cattle,  Sweden  and  Denmark  in  1847  by 


92  The  Farmer'' s  Yeterinary  Adviser. 

Englisli  stock,  and  later  again  by  English  and  Dutch,  Nor- 
way in  1860  by  infected  Ayrshires,  Oldenburg  in  1858,  and 
Schleswig  in  1859,  in  each  case  by  Ayrshires,  the  Cape  of 
Good  Hope  in  1854,  Australia  in  1858  by  an  English  cow, 
Brooklyn,  L.  I.,  in  1848  by  a  Dutch  cow,  and  again  in  1850 
by  an  English  one,  Kew  Jersey  in  1847  by  English  stock, 
and  Boston,  Mass.,  by  Dutch  cattle  in  1850.  In  Sweden, 
Korway,  Denmark,  Oldenburg,  Schlesw^ig,  Massachusetts, 
and  Kew  Jersey  it  was  stamped  out,  in  the  last  case  by  the 
importer,  Mr.  Bichardson,  sacrificing  his  whole  herd  and 
voluntarily  assuming  the  loss,  but  in  the  other  places  named 
it  was  left  to  itself  and  spread  disastrously. 

Symptoms.  The  period  of  latency  of  the  poison  in  the 
system  is  from  four  to  six  weeks,  and  in  exceptional  cases 
perhaps  three  or  four  months,  or  as  sliort  as  ten  days.  In- 
creased temperature  of  the  body  usually  appears  a  week 
or  two  before  other  symptoms.  Then  there  is  a  slight 
cough,  erection  of  hair  along  the  back,  sometimes  shivering 
and  always  tenderness  of  the  back  to  pinching,  the  animal 
crouching  and  groaning.  Soon  breathing  and  pulse  become 
accelei-ated,  bowels  costive,  urine  scanty  and  high-colored, 
milk  diminished,  appetite  impaired,  rumination  irregular, 
nose  alternately  moist  and  dry,  and  legs  and  horns  cold  and 
hot.  If  in  the  field,  the  sick  leave  the  herd.  The  cough 
increases  in  harshness,  depth,  and  painfulness,  and  all  the 
symptoms  are  aggravated  until  the  animal  stands  in  one 
posture,  with  head  extended  on  the  neck,  mouth  open,  and 
every  breath  accompanied  by  a  loud  moan.  From  the 
earliest  stages  the  ear  applied  to  the  sides  of  the  chest  de- 
tects an  absence  of  murmur  over  particular  parts  of  the 
lung,  or  lungs,  with  a  line  of  crepitation  (fine  crackling) 
around  it,  and  occasionally  rubbing,  wheezing,  and  other 
unnatural  sounds.  On  percussion  over  the  silent  parts  the 
natural  resonance  is  found  to  have  given  place  to  dullness, 
and  the  animal  winces  and  groans.     Other  peculiar  sounds 


Sj^ecijic  Contagious  Diseases.  93 


may  follow  later,  into  which  we  cannot  enter  here,  and 
exhausting  liquid  discharges  from  the  bowels  and  kidneys, 
tympanies  and  abortions  are  frequent  results.  Death  may 
take  place  early,  from  suffocation,  when  both  lungs  are 
involved,  or  may  be  delayed  six  weeks  or  more.  Slight 
attacks,  common  in  the  Northern  States  in  winter,  may 
only  cause  a  few  days  of  fever,  but  usually  leave  encysted 
masses  of  dead,  diseased  tissue  in  the  lungs,  that  render  the 
apparently  recovered  animal  dangerous  to  others  for  long 
after. 

The  percentage  of  deaths  and  permanent  destruction  to 
health  is  fifty  or  sixty,  or  when  all  the  more  susceptible 
animals  have  perished  it  may  be  reduced  much  lower. 

Treatment.  This  disease  is  much  more  amenable  to 
treatment  than  rinderpest,  but  to  preserve  the  sick  is  no 
less  reprehensible,  as  the  poison  is  more  subtle,  more  dif- 
fusible through  the  atmosphere,  is  hidden  unsuspected  for 
a  greater  Icngtli  of  time  in  the  body  of  its  victim,  and 
when  manifested  is  far  more  liable  to  be  mistaken  for  other 
diseases  (pneumonia,  pleurisy,  bronchitis).  No  treatment 
should  ever  be  allowed,  except  in  perfectly  secluded  build- 
ings, far  from  roads,  where  no  strange  men  or  animals  can 
get  access,  and  in  a  constantly  disinfected  atmosphere. 

In  the  early  stages,  refrigerant  and  diuretic  salts  (liquor 
of  the  acetate  of  ammonia,  nitre,  bisulphite  of  soda)  with 
aconite  may  be  given ;  injections  of  warm  water  or  mild 
laxatives  (Epsom  salt),  used  to  regulate  the  bowels,  and 
blisters  applied  to  the  sides  of  the  chest  (mustard  and  oil 
of  turpentine).  Later,  wdien  prostration  sets  in,  stimulants 
(sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  wine,  aromatic  ammonia,  etc.)  and 
tonics  (gentian,  cinchona,  cascarilla,  boneset,  sulphate  of 
iron  or  copper,  mineral  acids,  etc.)  are  called  for.  Anti- 
septics are  useful,  especially  such  as  can  be  inhaled  in  the 
air  (sulphur  fumes,  carbolic  acid  vapor  or  spray)  and  thus 
reach  the  seat  of  disease. 


94  The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

The  hydropathic  treatment,  by  a  rug  wrung  out  of  water 
applied  next  the  skin  and  covered  by  several  dry  ones  kept 
closely  applied  by  elastic  surcingles  for  an  hour  and  fol- 
lowed by  a  cold  douche  and  active  rubbing  till  dry,  has 
proved  very  successful,  but  demands  intelligence,  enthusiasm, 
and  activity  on  the  part  of  the  attendants.  The  pack,  is 
repeated  as  often  as  the  temperature  rises. 

Prevention.  Importation  should  only  be  allowed  from 
countries  free  from  the  plague,  in  ships  that  have  carried 
no  suspected  stock  for  at  least  three  months,  and  after 
inspection  and,  if  thought  necessary,  quarantine  at  the 
port  of  entry.  But  the  disease  already  exists  in  Kew 
York  (Connecticut),  Xew  Jersey,  Delaware,  Pennsylvania, 
Maryland,  Virginia,  Illinois,  and  District  of  Columbia. 
This  ought  to  be  rooted  out  by  measures  executed  by  the 
central  government  and  def raj^ed  out  of  the  public  treasury. 
Little  good  must  be  looked  for  from  isolated  action  by 
States,  counties,  townships,  or  individual  owners ;  the  dan- 
ger threatens  the  entire  country,  and  for  the  general  safety 
all  must  pay.  It  is  absurd  to  expect  the  unfortunate  pos- 
sessor of  sick  animals  to  beggar  himself  for  the  public 
good.  There  should  be  destruction  of  the  sick,  partial  re- 
muneration of  the  owners,  thorough  disinfection  under  pro- 
fessional supervision,  and  the  most  perfect  control  and  con- 
stant inspection  of  all  suspected  herds  and  places  until  the 
malady  has  been  eradicated  from  the  land.  This  is  the 
most  insidious  of  all  our  animal  plagues,  the  one  which 
now  most  urgently  presses  for  active  interference,  and  which, 
if  neglected,  will  bring  a  terrible  retribution  in  the  future. 

Inoculation^  as  a  preventive,  like  medical  treatment,  i.i 
suicidal  unless  where  a  country  is  very  generally  infected, 
and  in  this  case  even  sterilized  virus  should  be  used.  (See 
Lung  Plague  in  Appendix.) 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  95 


STRANGLES.    DISTEMPER  IN  YOUNG  HORSES. 

A  specific  fever  of  young  solipeds,  usually  attended  with 
swellings  and  formations  of  matter  between  the  bones  of 
the  lower  jaw,  or  elsewhere  in  groups  of  lymphatic  glands. 

Causes.  Early  age,  change  from  field  to  stable,  from 
grass  to  dry  feeding,  from  idleness  to  exciting  work,  the  ir- 
ritation of  teething,  and,  above  all,  change  of  locality  and 
climate.  Repeated  attacks  will  occur  in  the  same  horse 
under  the  influence  of  the  last-named  cause.  Exposure  to 
cold  and  wet,  impure  air,  sudden  thaws,  etc.,  contribute  to 
hasten-  its  development.  Lastly,  contagion  is  a  common 
cause,  and,  in  some  cases,  the  malady  may  even  be  conveyed 
to  man. 

Symptoms.  The  disease  is  often  preceded  by  a  period  of 
unthriftiness,  staring  coat,  loss  of  condition,  dullness,  and 
languor.  Then  there  appear  cough,  redness  of  the  nasal 
membrane,  and  watery  flow  from  the  nose  and  eyes,  slaver- 
ing, accelerated  breathing  and  pulse,  costiveness,  scanty 
high-colored  urine,  and  increased  thirst.  Soon  a  swelling 
rises  between  the  bones  of  the  lower  jaw,  hot,  tender,  and 
uniformly  rounded  and  smooth,  at  first  hard  with  soft, 
doughy  margins,  later  soft  and  fluctuating  in  the  centre 
from  the  formation  of  matter.  Water  is  often  returned 
from  the  nose  in  drinking  and  food  dropped  after  chewing. 
The  throat  may  even  be  closed  so  as  to  make  breathing 
laborious,  difficult,  and  noisy,  or  quite  impossible.  With 
rupture  of  the  abscess  and  escape  of  the  matter,  relief  is  ob- 
tained and  a  steady  recovery  may  usually  be  counted  on. 

Irregular  Forms.  The  swelling  may  harden  in  place  of 
softening,  and  maintain  the  disease  for  an  indefinite  time, 
or  it  may  disappear  and  be  followed  by  the  formation  of 
matter  in  other  and  more  vital  organs.  Thus  matter  may 
form  in  the  groups  of  lymphatic  glands  about  the  shoulder, 


9G  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

groin,  the  roots  of  the  lungs,  tlie  mesentery-,  tlie  brain,  etc. 
Sometimes  no  swelling  nor  suppuration  takes  place  beyond 
the  discharge  from  the  nose,  while  at  others  a  pustular  erup- 
tion on  the  skin  is  the  manifestation  of  the  disease. 

The  disease  may  be  over  hi  ten  days,  or,  in  cases  of  indolent 
action  in  the  swelling,  it  may  be  protracted  for  months.  If 
properly  treated,  the  regular  form  generally  does  well,  but 
the  irregular  is  fatal  in  proportion  to  the  vitality  of  the 
organ  affected.  In  protracted  cases  and  in  those  subjected 
to  impm-e  air  and  weakening  treatment,  dropsical  and  san- 
guineous swellings  in  the  dependent  parts  of  the  body  {pur- 
pura  hemorrhagica)  is  a  frequent  result. 

Treatment.  Sustain  the  strength  of  the  patient  by  abun- 
dance of  soft,  nourishing  mashes  and  pure  air,  and  promote 
the  formation  of  matter  between  the  jaws  by  fomentations, 
poultices,  and  steaming  of  the  nostrils.  A  poultice  ma}'  be 
applied  by  a  square  of  calico  with  holes  for  the  ears  and 
eyes,  tied  down  the  middle  of  the  face  and  sewed  up  a  little 
at  the  chin  to  prevent  any  from  dropping  out.  Bran  or 
oil  meal  may  be  used  along  with  hot  water.  Steaming 
may  be  done  by  feeding  hot  bran  mashes  from  a  nose- 
bag hung  on  the  head.  "When  matter  points  it  should  be 
freely  evacuated  with  the  lancet,  and  the  poultices  con- 
tinued to  complete  the  softening.  If  suffocation  is  threat- 
ened, the  windpipe  must  be  opened  in  the  middle  of  the 
neck  and  a  tube  inserted  to  breathe  through. 

Medicine  is  rarely  required.  Yet  costiveness  may  be 
counteracted  by  warm  water  injections,  and  weakness  by 
stimulants  (muriate  and  carbonate  of  ammonia)  and  tonics 
(gentian,  calumba,  willow-bark).  Complications  must  be 
treated  according  to  their  nature. 

INFLUENZA. 

A  specific  epizootic  fever  of  a  low  type  associated  with 
inflammation  of  the  respiratory  mucous  membrane,  or  less 


Specijic  Contagious  Diseases.  97 

frequently  of  other  organs.  It  has  prevailed  at  intervals 
over  different  parts  of  the  world  in  man,  horses,  dogs,  and 
even  cats. 

Causes.  Nothing  can  be  definitely  stated  as  to  the  pri- 
mary cause  of  its  development,  as  all  peculiar  conditions  of 
soil,  volcanic  action,  atmospheric  electricity,  aerial  moisture 
or  dryness,  density  or  levity,  season,  temperatm'e,  winds, 
calms,  ozone,  and  antozone  fail  to  account  for  its  appearance. 
The  great  American  epizootic  of  1872  was  preceded  and  ac- 
companied in  Michigan  by  an  excess  of  ozone,  but  the  excess 
did  not  determine  its  appearance  in  other  States,  which  it 
invaded  by  a  gradual  progress  and  with  a  rapidity  propor- 
tional to  the  celerity,  of  communication.  Again,  insular  and 
sequestrated  places  escaped,  as  Prince  Edward's  Island, 
(frozen  out),  Vancouver's  Island  (quarantined).  Key  West, 
llayti,  St.  Domingo,  Jamaica,  La  Paz,  by  the  non-importa- 
tion of  horses  (Cuba  suifered  through  imported  American 
horses).  It  stopped  at  Panama,  where  there  is  no  horse 
traffic,  owing  to  the  state  of  the  country.  (See  the  author's 
report  to  Government,  and  report  of  New  York  Board  of 
Healtli.) 

Symptoms.  The  disease  comes  on  suddenly  w' ith  extreme 
weakness  and  stupor.  There  is  often  pendant  head,  half- 
closed,  lustreless  eyes,  great  disinclination  to  move,  with 
swaying  gait,  and  cracking  joints.  Appetite  is  lost,  mouth 
hot,  clammy,  bowels  costive,  urine  scanty  and  high-colored, 
pulse  accelerated  and  weak  (sometimes  hard),  a  cough,  dee]), 
painful,  and  racking  comes  on,  crepitation  or  harsh  blowing- 
sounds  are  heard  in  the  chest,  and  the  membrane  of  the  nose 
assumes  a  bright  pink  or  dull  leaden  hue.  The  ears  and 
limbs  are  alternately  cold  and  hot,  the  hair  rough,  the  skin 
tender  and  frequently  trembling. 

Soon  the  nose  discharges  a  white,  yellowish,  or  greenish 
matter,  and  the  animal  may  recover,  or  an  increasingly  heavy 
breathing,  depth  and  painf  ulness  of  cough,  and  changed  or 
0 


98  T1ie  Fm^mer'^s  Vetet'inar'y  Adviser. 

absent  respiratory  sounds  in  the  chest,  witli  dulhiess  on  per- 
cussion show  that  the  huigs  are  seriously  involved.  Thus 
there  ma}^  be  the  symptoms  of  pneumonia,  pleuris}^,  bron- 
chitis, hydrothorax,  pericarditis,  hydropericardium,  etc. 
Clots  sometimes  form  in  the  heart,  modifying  the  heart- 
sounds  and  proving  rapidly  fatal. 

In  other  cases  the  abdominal  organs  suffer,  and  with  great 
torpor,  stupor,  tension  and  tenderness  of  the  abdominal 
walls  there  are  colicky  pains,  ardent  thirst,  coated  tongue, 
yellowness  of  the  membranes  of  nose  and  eyes,  yellow  or 
reddish  urine,  costive  bowels  and  dung  in  pellets  thickly 
coated  with  mucus. 

Sometimes  rheumatic  swelling  and  tenderness  take  place 
in  the  muscles  and  joints  of  the  limbs,  and  may  even  last 
for  months.  At  others,  paralysis  or  delirium  will  ensue,  or, 
finally,  severe  inflammation  of  the  eyes. 

Treatment.  Overcome  costiveness  by  injections  of  warm 
water,  or  by  one-third  the  usual  doses  of  linseed  oil  or  aloes. 
Give  mild  febrifuge  diuretics  (liquor  of  acetate  of  ammonia, 
spirit  of  nitrous  ether),  with  anodynes  (extract  of  bella- 
donna), and  when  fever  subsides  or  great  prostration  comes 
on,  stimulants  (nitrous  ether,  aromatic  ammonia,  carbonate 
of  ammonia)  and  even  tonics  (gentian,  calumba,  quassia). 

Counter-irritants  (annnonia  and  oil,  equal  parts,  mustard, 
etc.)  may  be  used  from  the  first  to  the  throat,  sides,  or  ab- 
domen, according  to  the  seat  of  the  inflammation. 

Soft  mashes,  roots,  or  green  food,  pure  air,  without 
draughts,  and  warm  clothing  are  essentials  of  treatment 
throughout. 

If  the  abdominal  organs  are  the  main  seat  of  disease, 
supplement  the  medicines  above  named  by  demulcents  (slip- 
pery elm,  mallow,  boiled  linseed)  and  anodynes  (opium, 
hydrocyanic  acid)  with,  in  some  cases,  a  gentle  laxative 
(olive  oil).  Nervous  symptoms  may  demand  wet  cloths  to 
the  head,  blisters  to  the  sides  of  the  neck,  purgatives,  unless 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  99 

contra-indicated,  and  bromide  of  potassium.  The  rheu- 
matic complication  must  be  treated  like  ordinary  rheuma- 
tism, with  colchiciim,  salicin,  salicylate  of  soda,  propylamine, 
acetate  of  potassa,  turpentine,  warmth,  counter-irritants,  etc. 

TYPHOID,  GASTRIC,  OR  BILIQUS  FEVER. 

This  strongly  resembles  the  abdominal  form  of  influenza 
and  sometimes  occurs  in  the  same  place  at  the  same  time. 
It  also  appears  independently  in  horses  weakened  by  shed- 
ding their  coats  in  spring  and  autumn,  in  those  kept  in  a 
hot,  close,  impure,  and  unwholesome  atmosphere,  fed  insuffi- 
ciently or  on  badly-preserved,  musty,  or  otherwise  injured 
aliment,  supplied  with  water  containing  an  excess  of  decom- 
posing organic  matter,  fed  irregularly,  subjected  to  over- 
work, etc.  Finally  it  proves  contagious  in  confined,  insalu- 
brious buildings,  and  to  a  less  extent,  in  those  that  are 
wholesome  and  well  aired.  Some  unknown,  generally  acting 
influence  makes  it  more  virulent  at  one  season  than  at  an- 
other. 

Symj>toins.  There  are  a  few  days  of  dullness  and  lassi- 
tude followed  by  the  general  signs  of  fever:  Staring  coat, 
shivering,  alternate  heat  and  coldness  of  the  surface,  rest- 
lessness, hot,  dry  mouth,  and  elevation  of  the  internal  tem- 
perature of  the  body.  There  is  a  yellowish  tinge  of  the 
mucous  membranes,  costiveness,  colicky  pains,  full,  tense, 
tender  belly,  passage  of  a  few  dark,  hard  pellets  of  dung 
covered  with  a  mucous  film,  urine  scanty,  reddish,  and  de- 
positing a  sediment,  pulse  rapid  and  weak,  and  there  may 
or  may  not  be  sore  throat,  excited  breathing,  and  discharge 
from  the  nose.  In  the  more  favorable  cases,  signs  of  im- 
provement are  noticeable  in  eight  or  nine  days,  and  a  per- 
fect recovery  is  made.  In  the  unfavorable,  the  pulse  be- 
comes small,  weak  and  rapid  (eighty  to  ninety  per  minute), 
the  mouth  hotter,  more  clammy,  and  covered  by  yellow- 


10()  The  Farmer^  VeterinaTy  Adviser. 

isli,  brownish,  or  greenish  blotches,  the  abdominal  walls 
more  tender,  the  bowels  more  irritable,  sometimes  with  a 
fcetid  diarrhoea,  and  the  strength  is  rapidly  exhausted.  The 
head  is  constantly  pendant,  the  eye  sunken,  the  expression 
of  the  countenance  stupid  and  haggard,  and  the  stupor  or  in- 
sensibility may  become  so  great  that  pinching  or  even  prick- 
ing of  tlie  skin  may  pass  unnoticed  by  the  animal.  Death 
usually  takes  place  from  the  tenth  to  the  twentieth  day. 

Treatment.  English  veterinarians  rely  much  on  calomel, 
and  with  a  firm,  full  pulse,  not  too  rapid,  a  general  warmth 
of  surface  and  extremities,  a  bright  eye,  cheerful  counte- 
nance, whitish,  foetid  dung,  and  much  yellowness  of  the  eye, 
nose,  or  mouth,  a  few  doses  of  calomel  (10  grs.)  and  opium 
(30  grs.),  repeated  twice  daily,  may  be  useful  in  stimulating 
the  liver  and  throwing  off  injurious  agents  from  the  blood. 
But  it  is  to  be  avoided  when  there  is  a  weak,  rapid  pulse 
and  great  prostration  and  debility,  and  in  no  case  should  it 
be  given  over  two  or  three  days,  or  until  the  system  is  satu- 
rated w^ith  the  drug.  Severe  costiveness  may  be  obviated 
by  2  or  3  drs.  of  aloes  and  a  drachm  of  calomel,  or  by 
a  daily  dose  of  2  or  3  ozs.  of  Glauber's  salt  until  relax- 
ation occurs.  Soft  feeding  and  copious  injections  of  warm 
water  must  be  continued  to  maintain  the  bowels  in  a  healthy 
state.  A  drachm  each  of  chlorate  or  nitrate  of  potassa 
and  muriate  of  ammonia  may  be  given  three  or  four  times 
daily  w^ith  the  water  drunk,  or  in  case  of  great  dullness 
and  debility  an  ounce  of  oil  of  turpentine,  sulphuric  ether, 
sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  or  carbonate  of  ammonia  may  be 
given  as  well.  Great  tenderness  of  the  belly  may  be  met 
by  persistent  hot  fomentations  and  mustard  poultices,  and 
if  necessary  by  half- drachm  doses  of  opium.  Tympany  is 
treated  by  hand  rubbing  and  by  aromatic  ammonia  or  oil 
of  peppermint.  During  recovery  3  or  4  ozs.  of  tincture 
of  gentian  or  cinchona  may  be  given  twice  daily  wnth  mu- 
riate   of  iron  and  stimulants.       Feed  throughout  on   soft 


SjyecijiG  Contagious  Diseases.  101 

bran  mashes,  sliced  roots,  boiled  oats  or  barley,  green 
grass,  oil-cake,  etc.,  giving  from  the  hand  if  necessar3\ 
Secure  pure  air  and  water,  cleanliness,  warm  clothing,  and 
general  comfort  until  restored  to  health. 

CAiO^INE    DISTEMPER. 

A  specific  fever  of  the  voung  domestic  carnivora,  affect- 
ing the  respiratory  organs,  and  it  may  be  the  abdominal 
viscera,  the  brain,  the  muscular  system  and  joints,  or  the 
skin.     One  attack  usually  protects  from  a  second. 

Causes.  Connected,  like  strangles,  with  domestication, 
it  is  most  severe  on  pet  dogs  kept  in  hot,  close  rooms,  on 
spiced  food,  or  confined  in  kennels.  Change  of  climate, 
teething,  and  contagion  are  other  causes. 

Symptoms.  Dullness,  peevishness,  loss  of  appetite,  dry 
nose,  watery  eyes,  elevated  temperature,  increased  pulse 
(110  to  120),  sensitiveness  to  cold,  shivering,  cough  and 
glairy  or  yellowish  discharge  from  the  nose.  The  cough 
becomes  paroxysmal  and  is  often  followed  by  vomiting,  the 
matter  not  being  licked  up  again,  the  breathing  is  disturbed, 
and  the  chest-sounds  on  auscultation  and  percussion  imply 
disease  there.  The  animal  is  weak,  debilitated  and  ema- 
ciated, and  diarrhoea,  ulceration  of  the  mouth,  and  nervous 
symptoms  usually  precede  death. 

The  complications  are  marked  by  symptoms  of  bronchi- 
tis, pneumonia,  enteritis,  liepatitis,  conjunctivitis,  phrenitis 
and  skin-disease.  Diseases  of  the  brain  (cramps,  convul- 
sions, chorea,  paralysis)  and  skin-eruption  ai-e  exceedingly 
common  in  the  advanced  stages.  The  eruption  is  peculiar, 
consisting  of  small  blisters,  containing  often  a  reddish  or 
purple  fluid. 

Treatment.     A  warm,  comfortable  bed,  pure  air,  and  a 
milk,  or  bread  and  milk  diet  are  important.     The  diet  should 
not  be  60  exclusive  in  dogs  having  had  animal  food  only. 
9* 


102  Th£  Farmer's  Veterhiary  Adviser. 

A  mild  emetic  (antimonial  wine)  or  a  slight  laxative 
(castor  oil)  may  be  followed  b}^  tonics  (gentian,  quinia), 
febrifuges  (saltpetre),  and  expectorants  (ipecacuanha),  witli 
perhaps  an  anodyne  (belladonna).  As  fever  subsides,  tonics 
must  be  given  freely  (wine,  quinia,  sulphate  of  iron,  Fow- 
ler's solution).  In  all  the  various  complications  treat  as  for 
the  different  diseases,  but  avoid  weakening  remedies,  and 
keep  up  tonics,  stimulants,  and  a  nutritious  diet. 

MALIGNANT    CHOLERA.       ASIATIC    CHOLERA. 

This  attacks  the  domestic  quadrupeds  and  birds  simul- 
taneously with  man,  and  has  been  produced  experimentally 
by  feeding  the  dried  bowel  discharges.  These  were  found 
to  increase  in  virulence  for  several  days  then  to  decrease 
(Sanderson).     The  germ  is  a  curved  (comma)  bacillus. 

Symptoms.  Muscular  cramps,  great  prostration,  partial 
loss  of  motor  power  and  excitability,  great  lowering  of  the 
body  temperature  (80°  F.),  deathly  cold,  bloodless  extremi- 
ties, viscid  tardily-flowing  blood,  and  lastly,  violent  abdom- 
inal pains  and  fluid  bowel  dejections,  often  having  the 
specific  rice-water  appearance. 

Treatment.  The  disease  is  mainly  important  as  propa- 
gating a  poison  so  fatal  to  the  human  being,  hence  the 
most  perfect  disinfection  of  all  bowel  dejections  is  imper- 
ative, together  with  the  seclusion  and  burial  of  the  sick 
and  dead.  As  an  example  of  current  treatment  may  be 
named,  aromatics  (oil  of  anise,  oil  of  cajeput,  oil  of  juni- 
per, tincture  of  cinnamon),  stimulants  (ether),  and  acids 
(sulphuric  acid),  mixed  and  given  every  quarter  of  an  hour. 
In  the  early  stages  add  opium  to  check  diarrhoea.  To 
overcome  surface  coldness  and  collapse,  use  hot  fomenta- 
tions, rubbing,  inhalation  of  nitrite  of  amyl ;  to  sheath 
the  intestines,  demulcent  drinks  (linseed  tea,  mallow, 
slippery    elm),  and   to  meet  other  states  according   to  in- 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  103 


dicatioiis.     Every    separate    case    would    demand    special 
treatment. 

SWINE-PLAGUE.       IIOG-CHOLEKA. 

A  specific  contagious  fever  of  swine,  attended  by  cono-es- 
tion,  exudation,  blood  extravasation,  and  ulceration  of  the 
membrane  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  by  liquid  foetid  diar- 
rhoea, by  general  heat  and  redness  of  the  surface  and  by  the 
appearance  on  the  skin  and  mucous  membranes  of  spots 
and  patches  of  a  scarlet,  purple,  or  black  color.  It  is  fatal 
in  from  one  to  six  days,  or  ends  in  a  tedious,  uncertain  re- 
covery. The  germ  is  in  some  epizootics  a  diplococcus,  and 
in  others  a  bacillus,  implying  two  distinct  diseases. 

Symptoms.     Incubation  ranges  from  a  week  or  fortnight 
in  cold  weather  to  three  days  in  warm.     It  is  followed  by 
shivering,  dullness,  prostration,  hiding  under  the  litter,  un- 
willingness to  rise,  hot,  dry  snout,   sunken  eyes,  unsteady 
gait  behind,  impaired   or  lost   appetite,  ardent   thirst,  ni- 
creased  temperature  (103.2°  to  105°  F.)  and  pulse.     With 
the  occurrence  of  heat  and  soreness  of  the  skin,  it  is  suf- 
fused with  red  patches  and  black  spots,  the  former  disap- 
pearing on  pressure,  the  latter  not.     The  tongue  is  thickly 
furred,  the  pulse  small,  weak,  and  rapid,  the  breathing  ac- 
celerated and  a  hard  dry  congh  is  frequent.     Sickness  and 
vomiting  may  be  present,  the  animal  grunts  or  screams  if 
the  belly  is  handled,  the  bowels  may  be  costive  throughout, 
but  more  commonly  they  become  relaxed  about  the  third 
day  and  an  exhausting  foetid  diai-rhoea  ensues.     Lymph  and 
blood  may  pass  with   the  dung.     Before  death  the  patient 
loses  control  of  the  hind  limbs  and  is  often  sunk  in  complete 
stupor,  with  muscular  trembling,  jerking,  and  involuntary 
motions  of  the  bowels.     The  lymphatic  glands  swell  in  aU 
cases. 

Cannes.     It  is  propagated  by  contagion,  though  faults  in 
diet  and  management  may  prove  accessory.     The  poison 


104  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

will  blow  half  a  mile  or  more  on  the  wind,  and  is  with  diffi- 
culty destroyed  in  hog-pens,  fodder,  etc. 

Treatment  ought  not  to  be  permissible,  unless  in  a  con- 
stantly disinfected  atmosphere.  Feed  well-boiled  gruel  of 
barley  or  rye,  or,  in  case  these  raise  the  fever,  corn-starch 
made  with  boiling  water ;  give  to  drink  fresh  cool  water, 
slightly  acidulated  with  sulphuric  acid.  For  the  early  con- 
stipation give  a  mild  laxative  (castor  oil,  rhubarb)  and  in- 
jections of  warm  water,  following  up  with  fever  medicine 
(nitrate  of  potassa  and  bisulphite  of  soda).  If  the  patient 
survives  the  first  few  days  and  shows  signs  of  ulceration  of 
the  bowels  (bloody  dung,  tender  belly),  give  oil  of  turpentine, 
fifteen  to  twenty  drops  night  and  morning.  Follow  up  with 
tonics,  and  careful  soft  feeding. 

Prevention.  Kill  and  bury  the  diseased ;  thoroughly 
disinfect  all  they  have  come  in  contact  with  ;  watch  the 
survivors  for  the  first  sign  of  illness,  test  all  suspicious  sub- 
jects with  the  thermometer  in  the  rectum,  and  separate  from 
the  herd  if  it  shows  more  than  103°  F.,  destroying  as  soon 
as  distinct  signs  of  the  disease  are  shown.  Feed  vegetable 
or  animal  charcoal,  bisulphite  of  soda,  carbolic  acid,  or  sul- 
phate of  iron  to  tbe  healthy,  and  avoid  all  suspected  food, 
places,  or  even  water  which  has  run  near  a  diseased  herd. 
All  newly  purchased  pigs  should  be  placed  at  a  safe  dis- 
tance, in  quarantine  under  separate  attendants,  until  their 
health  has  been  proved. 

TEXAS   FEVER. 

A  specific  fever,  rising  in  the  low,  malarious  grounds  of 
the  States  bordering  on  the  Gulf  of  Mexico,  and  communi- 
cable to  the  cattle  of  the  elevated  lands  of  the  same  and 
other  States  in  a  more  fatal  form.  It  is  characterized  by 
enlarged  spleen,  profound  changes  in  the  blood,  escape  of 
the  blood-elements  into  the  substance  of  the  various  tissues 


specific  Contagious  Diseases.  105 

and  with  the  urine  causing  bloody  discharges  from  the  kid- 
neys, yellowness  of  the  mucous  membranes  and  fat,  great 
prostration  and  debility. 

SymptoTns,  There  seems  to  be  an  incubation  of  four  or 
five  weeks,  ending  in  elevated  temperature  (103°  to  107°) 
and  followed  in  five  to  seven  days  by  dullness,  languor, 
drooping  head  till  the  nose  reaches  the  ground,  arched  back, 
hind  legs  advanced  under  the  belly  and  bent  at  the  fetlocks, 
cough  more  or  less  frequent,  muscular  trembling  about  the 
flanks,  jerking  of  the  neck  muscles,  heat  of  horns,  ears,  and 
general  surface  (limbs  cold,  in  exceptional  cases)  and  im- 
paired appetite  and  rumination.  Soon  weakness  compels 
lying  down,  by  choice  in  water,  eyes  are  glassy  and  fixed, 
secretions  lessened,  dung  hard  and  coated  with  mucus,  or 
with  clots  of  blood,  and  the  urine  changes  to  a  deep  red  or 
black  and  coagulates  on  boiling.  The  mucous  membranes 
are  of  a  deep  yellow  or  brown,  that  of  the  rectum,  seen  in 
passing  dung,  is  of  a  dark  red,  as  in  Einderpest. 

All  these  symptoms  become  aggravated,  weakness  be- 
comes extreme,  and  the  patient  dies  in  a  state  of  stupor,  or 
sometimes  in  convulsions. 

The  disease  usually  passes  unnoticed  in  the  Texan  cattle, 
but  is  exceedingly  fatal  in  Northern  beasts. 

Contagion  takes  place  through  the  bowel  discharges,  and 
roads,  pastures,  water-courses,  etc.,  become  efiicient  bearers 
of  the  virus.  It  is  destroyed  at  once  by  frost,  and  has  never 
been  satisfactorily  demonstrated  to  be  conveyed  from  one 
Northern  animal  to  another.  Sucking  calves  rarely  suffer. 
One  attack  does  not  protect  against  another.  There  is  a 
strongly  refrangent  micrococcus  in  the  bile  and  blood.  Det- 
mers  has  also  found  a  bacillus. 

Prevention.  It  should  be  enforced  by  United  States  law 
that  no  Gulf-coast  cattle  should  be  moved  north  excepting 
after  the  first  frosts  of  autumn,  or  before  the  last  frosts  of 
spring.     Then  would  the  traffic  be  safe  for  all  the  Xorth. 


106  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

The  time  would  vary  for  the  different  States,  but  the  ear- 
lier or  later  traffic  for  the  extreme  !N"orth  should  be  by  direct 
route  without  intermediate  unloading.  A  general  restric- 
tion of  this  sort,  with  the  expense  levied  on  all  the  States, 
would  be  more  economical  and  satisfactory  than  a  supervision 
by  each  State  of  its  own  frontier. 

Treatment  should  never  be  called  for.  It  may,  however, 
be  resorted  to  witli  less  danger  than  in  the  case  of  a  true 
plague.  In  some  cases  emollient  drinks  and  enemas,  soft 
food,  and  stimulating  fever  medicines  have  been  followed 
by  recovery.  Chlorate  of  potassa,  nitre,  iodide  of  potassium, 
and  carbolic  acid  have  evidently  been  of  advantage.  Wet- 
sheet  packing,  as  for  Lung-fever,  should  be  beneficial,  and 
refrigerant  or  sthnulating  diuretics  (digitalis,  nitre,  or  ni- 
trous ether),  according  to  the  indications  of  the  particular 
case.  Peculiarities  in  different  cases  would  demand  a  vari- 
ation of  treatment.  The  diet  throughout  should  be  of  soft 
mashes,  and  a  return  to  ordinary  fibrous  aliment  made  slowly 
and  carefully,  patients  being  liabl-e  to  be  cut  off  by  gastro- 
enteritis. 

CANINE   MADNESS.       KABIES  (hYDROPHOBIa). 

A  specific  bacteridian  disease  of  the  genus  canis  (dog^ 
wolf,  fox)  and  the  cat,  and  transmissible  by  inoculation  to 
all  the  domestic  animals  and  to  man.  It  is  marked  by  dis- 
orders of  intellectual,  emotional,  and  nervous  functions,  al- 
tered habits,  irritable  temper,  optical  delusions,  spasms  of 
the  muscles  of  the  eyeballs  and  throat,  paralysis,  and  more 
or  less  fever. 

Causes.  Inoculation  by  bite  is  the  usual  (almost  invari- 
able) cause,  yet  cases  arise  also  from  other  channels  of  con- 
tagion. Season,  climate,  abuse,  privation  of  water,  improper 
food,  muzzling,  etc.,  have  no  effect  further  than  they  serve 
to  produce  a  febrile  state  and  hasten  the  development  of 


Specijic  Contagious  Diseases.  107 

the  disease  when  the  seeds  are  already  implanted  in  the  S3's- 
tem.  A  constantly  increasing  mass  of  testimony  points  to 
the  conclusion  that  the  restraint  of  an  ungovernable  sexual 
desire  is  one  cause  of  the  development  of  the  malady,  and 
it  is  even  supposed  that  the  maternal  instinct  has  had  a  sim- 
ilar effect  after  the  puppies  have  been  removed.  Males 
chiefly  suffer,  partly,  no  doubt,  from  their  special  liability 
to  common  accessory  causes,  but  mainly  because  the  rabid 
dog  is  far  more  likely  to  bite  a  male  than  a  female.  Dowdes- 
well  finds  a  micrococcus  in  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 

The  poison  is  resident  in  the  saliva  and  blood,  but  not 
always  in  the  milk.  The  saliva  of  rabid  herbivora,  om- 
nivora,  and  men  is  equally  virulent  with  that  of  carnivora, 
though  in  all  animals  it  varies  in  intensity  according  to 
the  stage  of  the  disease.  Of  animals  bitten  by  a  violently 
rabid  dog  nearly  all  contract  the  disease,  whereas  among 
men  the  proportion  is  five  to  fifty-five  per  cent.  This  ap- 
parent immunity  is  largely  due  to  the  cleaning  of  the  teeth 
on  the  dress  before  they  reach  the  skin. 

Incuhation  varies  in  dogs  from  five  to  eighty  days,  the 
majority  showing  symptoms  thirty  to  forty  days  after  the 
bite  ;  in  the  horse  fifteen  to  ninety  days  (usually  thirty) ; 
in  cattle  twenty  to  thirty  days  ;  sheep  twenty  to  seventy- 
four  days;  swine  twenty  to  forty-nine  days.  In  man  it 
ranges  about  the  same,  exceptional  cases  extending  over 
years  being  manifestly  instances  of  disease  resulting  from 
fear,  a  common  occurrence  in  the  human  being. 

Symptoms.  In  the  Dog.  Any  sudden  change  of  habits, 
or  instincts — dullness,  restlessness,  watchfulness,  tendency 
to  pick  up  and  swallow  straws  and  other  small  objects,  con- 
stant desire  to  smell  or  lick  the  anus  or  cjenerative  oro^ans 
of  themselves  or  others,  to  lick  a  stone  or  other  smooth, 
cold  object,  to  rub  the  throat  or  chops  with  the  fore  paws, 
silent  endurance  of  pain,  rubbing  or  licking  of  a  scar,  the 
seat  of  the  bite,  liability  to  sudden  passion  and  attempts 


108  The  Farmer'' s  Veterlnai^y  Adviser. 

to  bite  at  sight  of  another  dog  or  cat,  may  be  looked  on  as 
very  suspicious,  if  rabies  exists  in  the  country.  Soon  the 
characteristic  howl  is  omitted.  The  voice  is  hoarse,  low, 
and  muffled,  and  there  is  one  loud  howl,  followed  by  tliree 
or  four  more,  successively  diminishing  in  force  and  utteied 
without  closing  the  mouth.  Some  dogs  appear  unusually 
fond  of  their  owners  and  fatally  inoculate  them  by  licking 
their  hands  and  face.  Others  turn  the  head  and  eyes  as  if 
following  imaginary  objects  and  snap  as  if  at  flies.  Bark- 
ing without  object,  a  constant  searching,  or  tearing  of  wood, 
etc.,  to  pieces,  a  seeking  of  darkness  and  seclusion  and  a 
disposition  to  resent  disturbance,  or  a  pilgrimage  of  several 
days'  absence  from  home  are  among  the  most  common  pre- 
cursors of  the  disease. 

Furious  Rabies.  Following  some  of  the  above  symptoms 
there  is  a  redness  and  fixed  glare  in  the  eyes,  squinting, 
rolling  of  the  eyes  after  fancied  objects,  more  frequent 
howling,  and  increasing  irritability  with  a  tendency  to 
worry  all  animals  that  come  in  their  way,  the  respect  for, 
and  immunity  of  former  friends  being  lost  in  the  violence 
of  a  paroxysm.  The  victim  can  no  longer  rest,  but  under- 
takes long  journeys  at  a  slouching  trot,  ready  to  fly  at  all 
that  cross  his  path,  especially  if  they  make  any  noise  oj* 
outcry.  He  may  die  during  one  of  these  journeys,  or  re- 
turn dirty,  careworn,  and  sullen,  with  the  rabid  glare  in  his 
eye  and  ready  to  resent  any  interference.  Each  paroxysm 
of  violence  or  wandering  is  followed  by  a  period  of  depres- 
sion and  torpor  proportionate  to  the  preceding  excitement, 
during  which  dark  and  seclusion  are  preferred,  though  any 
disturbance  will  arouse  to  violence.  From  the  fourth  to 
the  eighth  day  paralysis  sets  in,  first  in  the  hind  limbs,  then 
in  the  jaw  and  the  whole  body,  the  certain  precursor  of  ap- 
proaching death. 

Paralytic  Rabies.  In  this  case  paralysis  with  dropping 
of  the  lower  jaw  is  shown  at  the  outset,  and  gradually  ex- 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  109 

tends  to  the  whole  hodiy.     The  animal  cannot  bite,  eat,  nor 
drink,  rarely  barks,  and  dies  early. 

Lethargic  {Traiiguil)  Rabies.  Palsy  of  the  jaw  is  less 
marked,  but  there  is  complete  apathy,  the  patient  remain- 
ing curled  up  in  one  position,  and  is  not  to  be  roused  by 
any  effort.  He  becomes  daily  more  emaciated  and  dies  in 
ten  to  fifteen  days. 

In  addition  to  these  typical  forms  there  are  others  hold- 
ing an  intermediate  place.  The  furious  form  is  especially 
common  in  bulldogs,  hounds,  and  the  less  domesticated 
varieties,  the  paralytic  and  tranquil  in  the  house  and  pet 
dogs. 

Popular  Fallacies.  I  name  these  because  of  the  evil  re- 
sults of  entertaining  them.  1.  Mad  dogs  have  no  fear  of 
water  {/lydrophohia).  On  the  contrary,  they  swim  rivers, 
plunge  their  noses  in  water  or  lap  their  urine  without  hesi- 
tation. 2.  Appetite  is  not  lost,  only  depraved,  and  the 
stomach  after  death  is  found  to  contain  an  endless  variety 
of  improper  objects.  3.  ll\\QYQ\^Y2iYe\y  froth  at  the  Tnouth, 
though  saliva  may  run  from  it  when  the  jaw  is  paralyzed. 
4.  The  tail  is  not  carried  between  the  legs  but  is  rather 
held  erect  during  a  paroxysm. 

Foxes  and  wolves  have  symptoms  like  those  of  the  dog, 
the  animals  losing  their  natural  shyness  or  fear,  and  attack- 
ing man  and  beast  indiscriminately.  Cats  attack  with  claws 
and  teeth,  flying  at  the  face  and  hands,  and  utter  hoarse 
loud  cries,  as  in  heat.  The  horse  bites,  kicks,  neighs,  draws 
his  yard,  rolls  his  eyes,  jerks  his  muscles,  and  dies  paralyzed. 
The  mischievous  propensity  distinguishes  from  delirium. 
The  ox  is  restless,  excitable,  everts  the  upper  lip,  grinds 
his  teeth,  bellows  loudly  and  as  if  in  terror,  scrapes  with 
his  fore  feet,  and  butts  and  kicks  all  wdio  approach. 
There  is  jerking  of  the  muscles  and  finally  paralysis. 
Sheep  are  similarly  excited,  show  sexual  appetite,  stamp, 
butt,  and  bleat  hoarsely.  They  die  paralytic.  Swine  are 
10 


110  Tlie  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

excitable,  restless,  grunt  hoarsely,  champ  the  jaws,  bite  in- 
truders, tear  objects  to  pieces,  gape,  yawn,  become  weak 
and  die  paralytic. 

Kecoveries  are  extremely  rare. 

Treatment.  This  can  only  be  warranted  in  the  lower 
animals  in  hope  of  discovering  a  cm-ative  method  for  man, 
and  then  with  extreme  precautions  and  in  iron  cages. 
Theoretically,  vapor  baths,  with  sulphites  and  antispas- 
modics (datura,  atropia,  chloral-hydrate,  etc.),  would 
promise  the  best  results.  The  boasted  curative  agents  have 
all  broken  down  when  tried  on  well-marked  cases  in  the 
lower  animals,  in  Avliich  diseases  of  the  imagination  are  not 
to  be  looked  for. 

Prevention.  When  bitten,  at  once  check  the  flow  of 
blood  from  the  part,  in  the  limb  by  a  handkerchief  or 
cord  with  a  piece  of  w^ood  througli  it  twisted  tightly  around 
the  member  a  little  higher  than  the  wound, — in  other  parts 
by  sucking,  or  by  cutting  open  the  wound  to  its  depth  and 
squeezing  or  wringing  as  if  milking  to  keep  up  a  free  flow 
of  blood,  soakino*  it  meanwhile  in  warm  water  if  available. 
Drinking  liquids  to  excess  will  also  retard  absorption.  But 
as  soon  as  caustics  can  be  had  apply  them  thoroughly  to  all 
parts  of  the  wound,  making  sure  that  its  deepest  recesses 
are  reached.  The  compression  by  handkerchief  or  fingers 
should  not  be  relaxed  until  this  operation  is  completed.  A 
hot  skewer,  nail,  or  poker  serves  admirably,  and  if  at  a 
white  heat  is  less  painful.  But  oil  of  vitriol,  spirit  of  salt, 
nitric  acid,  caustic  potassa  or  soda,  butter  of  antimony, 
chloride  of  zinc,  nitrate  of  silver,  blue  stone,  copperas,  in- 
deed any  caustic  at  hand  should  be  at  once  employed.  The 
wound  should  be  thoroughly  cauterized,  though  some  time 
has  elapsed  since  the  bite,  as  absorption  does  not  always 
take  place  at  once. 

All  dogs  should  be  registered,  taxed,  and  furnished  with 
a  collar  bearing  their  own  and  their  owner's  names  and 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  1 1 1 

that  of  their  residence.  During  the  existence  of  rabies  in 
a  country  all  dogs  found  at  large  unmuzzled  should  be  de- 
stroyed. Suspected  dogs  should  be  shut  up  under  super- 
vision for  three  months  unless  rabies  is  developed  earlier. 
Dogs  that  have  bitten  human  beings  should  be  similarly 
shut  up  for  a  week  to  test  the  existence  of  the  disease  or 
otherwise. 

Pasteur's  method  of  rendering  the  system  insusceptible 
is  by  preserving  the  spinal  cord  of  a  rabid  animal  in  a 
sterilized  bottle,  with  free  access  of  air,  but  protected  against 
all  germs  by  a  filter  of  sterilized  cotton-wool,  until  inocula- 
tion with  its  substance  is  no  longer  fatal.  Beginning  with 
this,  say  twelve  days  old,  he  inoculates  his  patient  and  the 
following  day  he  operates  again  using  virus  which  has  been 
kept  one  day  less,  and  so  on  daily,  using  the  progressively 
stronger  virus  until  he  has  inoculated  with  that  of  the  full 
strength.  A  number  of  recent  failures  have  led  him  to 
adopt  his  intensive  method,  by  which  this  series  of  inocula- 
tions is  practically  repeated  several  times.  That  the  process 
is  generally  protective  must  be  acknowledged,  as  otherwise 
all  his  subjects  must  have  died  of  the  last  and  strongest 
virulent  injection,  whereas  less  than  one  per  cent,  have  ac- 
tually perished.  On  the  other  hand,  to  laud  such  protection 
as  constant  and  absolute  is  to  contradict  all  that  we  know 
of  acquired  vital  resistance  to  specific  disease-poisons,  and 
is  to  contradict  the  results  of  Pasteur's  own  inoculations. 
Add  to  this  that  a  constant  succession  of  cases  must  be  kept 
up  to  obtain  the  requisite  amount  of  virus  of  the  different 
required  potencies,  and  that  after  the  inoculations  the  sub- 
jects carry  away  in  their  bodies  the  most  virulent  virus 
that  Pasteur  has  been  able  to  produce,  to  the  danger  of  any 
other  susceptible  animals  with  which  they  may  come  in 
contact,  and  the  method  must  be  held  to  be  pregnant  with 
danger.  It  is  a  notorious  fact  that  since  Pasteur  began  in- 
oculating rabies  has   become    extraordinarily  prevalent  in 


112  The  Farmer's  Yeterinary  Admser. 

France  and  England  where  his  protected  animals  have 
mostly  gone. 

Gal  tier  found  that  in  rabbits  and  slieep  protection  with- 
out visible  disease  was  secured  by  injecting  the  rabid  saliva 
into  the  veins  without  contact  with  the  tissues. 

Fernandez  shows,  from  extensive  statistics  and  numerous 
experiments  that  dogs  bitten  by  vipers  are  proof  against 
rabies. 

I  have  had  the  following  results  with  rabid  brain  matter, 
sterilized  and  diffused  in  water :  English  terrier  had  three 
injections  of  twenty  drops  each  on  successive  days,  then  in- 
oculated wdth  virulent  matter  on  the  brain ;  proved  fatal, 
but  death  delayed  till  the  twenty-fifth  day  instead  of  the 
sixteenth.  Two  rabbits  had  three  hypodermic  injections  of 
one  drachm  each  on  successive  days  ;  afterward  inoculated 
with  virulent  brain  matter,  but  resisted  for  nine  months. 
One  rabbit  after  four  injections  of  one  drachm  each  of  steril- 
ized rabid  brain  matter,  inoculated  with  fresh  rabid  brain 
matter,  but  survived  nine  months.  Three  control  rabbits 
inoculated  with  fresh  rabid  brain  matter,  one  on  the  brain, 
and  two  hypodermatically,  all  died  of  paralytic  rabies,  the 
first  on  the  sixteenth  day,  the  second  on  the  seventy-second, 
and  the  third  on  the  one  hundred  and  eightieth  day.  In- 
oculation of  any  kind,  however,  which  demands  the  propa- 
gation of  the  germ  is  not  to  be  commended. 

BACILLAR    ANTHRAX. 

A  contagious  disorder,  prevailing  in  rich,  damp  localities, 
in  herbivora  and  swine,  and  communicable  by  inoculation 
to  other  animals  and  to  man.  It  sliows  itself  in  many  dif- 
ferent forms,  all  characterized  by  extreme  changes  in  the 
chemical  and  vital  properties  of  the  blood,  breaking  down 
of  the  blood-globules,  extravasations  of  blood  or  albuminous 
fluids  in  different  parts  of  the  body,  with  a  tendency  to 


specific  Contagicnts  Diseases.  113 


gangrene,  yellow  or  brown  mucous  membranes,  enlarge- 
ment or  even  rupture  of  the  spleen  (milt),  and  a  very  liigli 
mortality.  The  germ  is  a  bacillus  viable  out  of  the  body 
in  damp  soils,  etc. 

Causes.  It  is  propagated  by  contagion  but  tends  to  die 
out  when  produced  in  this  way  only.  It  is  transmitted  by 
contact  with  the  blood,  liquid  exudations,  portions  of  the 
diseased  carcase,  fat,  skins,  hair,  wool,  bristles,  feathers,  and 
bowel  evacuations,  and  rarely  or  not  at  all  through  the  at- 
mospliere.  Simple  contact  of  these  matters  with  the  healthy 
skin  of  a  susceptible  subject  is  at  times  enough  to  produce 
the  disease.  The  virus  is  most  potent  when  received  from 
an  animal  still  living  or  only  recently  dead,  and  yet  may  be 
preserved  for  months  in  all  conditions  of  climate,  tempera- 
ture, and  humidity. 

Eating  of  the  flesh  of  animals  killed  while  suffering  in 
this  way  has  often  conveyed  the  disease  despite  the  cooking 
to  which  it  was  subjected.  Fifteen  thousand  of  the  inhab- 
itants of  St.  Domingo  once  perished  in  six  weeks  from  this 
cause,  and  a  whole  family  was  poisoned  a  few  years  ago  in 
Aberdeenshire,  Scotland.  The  Tartars  perish  in  great  num- 
bers from  eating  their  anthrax  horses.  Mosquitoes  and  other 
insects  with  perforating  apparatus  to  the  mouth  help  to  com- 
municate it,  as  nearly  all  cases  in  man  occur  on  exposed  parts 
of  the  body,  and  inoculation  of  the  insects'  stomachs  has 
caused  the  disease. 

Its  preservation  in  a  locality  is  determined :  1.  By  the 
rich  surface  soil  abounding  in  organic  matter,  and  the  im- 
pervious subsoil  preventing  natural  drainage.  2.  The  fre- 
quent inundations  of  banks  of  rivers  flowing  through  level 
countries  and  the  drying  up  of  ponds  and  lakes  leaving  much 
organic  deposit  in  their  basins.  3.  A  continuation  of  warm, 
dry  weather,  which  favors  organic  emanations  from  such 
places  as  the  above.  4.  A  condition  of  the  system  of  the  ani- 
mal predisposing  to  the  reception  and  growth  of  the  poison, 
10* 


114  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  consisting  in  the  loading  of  the  blood  with  plastic  or 
waste  organic  matter,  as  in  overfed  plethoric  animals,  in 
those  making  Hesh  most  rapidly,  in  the  young  and  rapidly 
growing,  in  those  rendered  unhealthy  by  overwork,  impui-e 
air,  unsuitable  food  or  water.  5.  Sudden  chills  when  the 
poison  is  already  present ;  hence,  extreme  variations  in  the 
temperature  of  night  and  day.  6.  A  close,  still  atmosphere. 
General  Characters.  In  the  typical  cases  the  blood  is 
black,  tarry,  and  incoagulable,  and  in  all  it  shows  broken- up 
globules,  and  microscopic  rod-like  bodies,  bacillus  anthracis, 
3.5  /i  (y^Vo  iiich)  long,  and  one-fourth  as  broad.  The  spleen, 
lymphatic  glands,  and  liver  are  enlarged,  the  nnicous  mem- 
branes of  the  stomach  and  intestines  are  usually  reddened, 
thickened,  and  softened,  and  any  other  part  of  the  body  may 
be  the  seat  of  bloody  or  albuminous  effusion  with  a  tendency 
to  death,  decomposition,  the  extrication  of  gases  in  the  tis- 
sues and  a  crackling  sound  when  handled.  When  it  com- 
mences in  one  point  on  the  surface  (malignant  pustule)  there 
is  first  an  unhealthy  eruption  of  minute  blisters,  which  burst, 
dry  up,  and  become  gangrenous,  while  new  blisters  appear 
around  as  the  unhealthy  action  spreads. 

Divisions.  The  bacillar  anthrax  may  be  manifested  by 
external  disease,  or  swelling,  or  without  such  appearances. 
To  the  first  class  belong  the  carbuncular  erysipelas  of  sheep 
and  Bwine,  malignant  sore  throat  of  hogs,  gloss-anthrax  or 
black-tongue,  one  form  of  black-quarter  or  bloody  murrain, 
the  boil-plague  of  Siberia,  and  the  malignant  pustule  of  man. 
To  the  second  belong  all  those  forms  of  the  disease  in  which 
there  are  the  specific  changes  in  the  blood,  with  engorge- 
ment of  the  spleen,  blood-staining,  and  exudations  into  inter- 
nal organs,  only. 

ANTHKAX   WITH   EXTERNAL    LESIONS. 

(A)  In  Horses. — (1)  Siberian  Boil-plague.  This  is  un- 
questionably an  anthrax  disease,  and  though  named  from 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  115 

Siberia  is  not  unknown  in  other  lands.  A  slight  shivering 
and  fever  are  followed  bj  a  swelling  on  the  udder,  sheath, 
breast,  throat,  or  elsewhere,  which  rapidly  increases,  some- 
times to  the  size  of  an  infant's  head.  At  first  soft,  it  hard- 
ens, assuming  a  yellow,  bacon-like  appearance,  with  red 
streaks  and  spots.  The  animals  die  in  twelve  or  twenty-four 
hours,  rarely  surviving  three  days.  The  blood  is  in  the 
state  so  characteristic  of  anthrax,  with  bacteria,  enlarged 
spleen,  and  sanguineous  effusions.  In  cattle  similar  tumors 
appear,  mainly  on  the  throat,  neck,  or  dewlap,  in  sheep  and 
goats  on  the  bare  surfaces  and  in  pigs  around  the  throat.  In 
all  cases  the  disease,  when  conveyed  to  man,  produces  the 
hlae-jpox  (malignant  pustule).  At  the  outset  all  cases  prove 
fatal ;  later,  recoveries  occur  under  the  local  use  of  cold  water, 
or  the  hot  iron  or  other  caustics  pushed  to  the  depth  of  the 
tumoj-,  and  mineral  acids  internally. 

(2)  Anthrax  toith  Diffused  Local  Swellings  ;  Typhus. 
This  is  usually  confounded  with  \X\q purpura  liCBinorrhagica^ 
which  occurs  in  weak  conditions  of  the  body,  as  a  sequel  of 
debilitating  diseases  (influenza,  bronchitis,  pneumonia,  etc.). 
Our  limits  forbid  extended  treatment,  hence  the  general 
symptoms  will  be  named,  and  the  observer  left  to  distinguish 
the  two  diseases  according  to  their  origin,  conmiunicability, 
and  prevalence. 

Symptoms.  Shivering,  lassitude,  stupor,  impaired  appe- 
tite, whitish  discharge  from  the  nose,  accelerated  pulse  and 
breathing,  costiveness  with  slimy  dung  or  scouring,  high- 
colored,  odorous,  or  bloody  urine,  swellings  the  size  of  a 
walnut  or  closed  fist  on  different  parts  of  the  body,  or  a 
continuous  swelling  beneath  the  chest  and  belly,  or  extreme 
engorgement  of  the  limbs  or  head.  These  are  at  first  hot 
and  tender,  and  easily  indented  with  the  finger,  but  soon  be- 
come hard,  the  skin  gets  rigid  and  exudes  drops  of  a  yellow 
serum  or  pure  blood.  They  may  render  the  patient  unable 
to  walk,  see,  feed,  drink,  urinate,  or  breathe,  according  to 


116  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

situation.  The  mucous  membranes  become  swelled,  puffy, 
duskj  or  yellow,  with  red  spots  and  streaks,  and  a  viscid, 
bloody,  and  finally  foetid  discharge  flows  from  the  nose. 
Breathing  may  become  labored  and  quick  in  connection  with 
exudations  into  the  chest,  or  violent  colics  may  supervene 
from  effusions  in  the  abdomen.  With  internal  effusions 
death  ensues  in  forty-eight  hours,  with  external  only,  the  ef- 
fects may  last  for  weeks  or  months  before  ending  in  recovery 
or  death.  In  the  latter  case  the  swellings  may  suddenly  dis- 
appear to  reappear  elsew^here,  they  may  subside  permanently 
in  connection  with  free  action  of  the  bowels  or  kidneys,  or  they 
may  slough,  leaving  extensive  and  sluggish  sores  and  scars. 

(B)  In  the  Ox. — (1)  Black  Tongue  /  also  in  the  Horse. 
This  is  manifested  by  the  eruption  of  blisters,  red,  purple,  or 
black,  on  the  tongue,  palate,  and  cheeks,  increashig  individ- 
ually often  to  the  size  of  a  hen's  egg^  bursting,  discharging 
an  ichorous,  irritating  fluid,  and  forming  unhealthy  sores 
with  more  or  less  tumefaction.  There  is  a  bloody  discharge 
from  the  mouth,  active  fever  sets  in,  and  death  ensues  in 
twenty-four  to  forty-eight  hours. 

(2)  Black-quarter ;  Bloody  Murrain,  This  is  some- 
times anthrax,  with  extensive  engorgement  of  a  shoulder, 
quarter,  neck,  breast,  or  side.  It  is  most  frequent  in  young 
and  rapidly  thriving  stock,  attacking  first  the  finest  of  the 
herd  or  those  thriving  most  rapidly,  and  runs  its  course  so 
quickly  that  its  victims  are  usually  found  dead  in  the  field  as 
the  first  indication  of  anything  amiss.  If  seen  during  life 
there  are  the  general  symptoms  of  plethora,  fever,  with  halt- 
ing on  one  limb,  stiffness,  and  excessive  tenderness  of  some 
parts  of  the  skin,  to  be  promptly  followed  by  swelling  of 
such  parts,  with  yellow  or  bloody  oozing  from  the  surface. 
These  swellings  become  firm,  tense,  insensible,  and  even  cold, 
and  if  the  subject  survives  may  finally  slough  open  and  leave 
large,  unsightly,  and  inactive  sores.  Recoveries  are  the  ex- 
ception and  too  often  slow  and  tedious. 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases,  117 

(C)  In  Sheep. —  Carhuncular  Erysipelas.  This  strongly 
resembles  black-quarter  of  cattle.  Like  that  it  attacks  the 
finest  of  the  flock  and  the  bodies  of  its  victims  are  found 
dead  in  the  field.  There  is  first  halting  on  a  limb,  then  a 
red  or  violet  swelling,  beginning  inside  the  leg  and  rapidly 
extending  over  the  body.  The  feeling,  appearance  and 
course  of  the  swelling  agree  with  those  of  hlach-quarter 
and  death  occurs  in  a  few  hours,  or  in  exceptional  cases  in 
two  days. 

(D)  In  Swine. — These  suffer  from  Anthrax  of  the  Mouthy 
comparable  to  hlack-tongue^  carhioncular  erysipelas,  like 
that  of  the  sheep,  pharyngeal  anthrax^  and  tumors  about  the 
throat,  which  sometimes,  at  least,  have  the  anthrax  char- 
acters. 

(1)  The  Garhuncular  Erysipelas  has  been  constantly  con- 
founded in  systematic  veterinary  works  with  swine-plague, 
but  is  a  distinct  disease,  being  derivable  from  other  anthrax 
patients  and  communicable  to  other  genera  of  animals  and 
to  man,  whereas  hog-cholera  is  mainly  confined  to  swine. 

(2)  Malignant  Sore-throat ;  Pharyngeal  Anthrax.  This 
is  perhaps  the  most  frequent  form  of  the  disease  in  swine, 
often  appearing  to  arise  from  eating  the  carcasses  or  ex- 
cretions of  other  anthrax  animals.  There  is  active  fever 
with  redness  and  swelling  of  the  throat,  neck,  bi-east,  and 
even  the  fore  limbs.  This  is  at  first  hard,  elastic,  warm, 
and  tender,  but  becomes  purple,  cool,  insensible,  and  pits  on 
pressure.  There  is  loss  of  appetite,  retching,  vomiting, 
purple  patches  and  black  spots  on  the  eyes,  snout,  and  skin, 
difficult  breatliing  through  the  mouth,  livid  tongue,  de- 
creasing temperature,  great  weakness,  and  death  in  one  or 
two  days. 

(3)  In  the  guttural  tumors  the  swelling  is  circumscribed 
to  the  size  of  a  kidney-bean  or  q^^,  on  one  or  both  sides 
of  the  throat,  extending  to  involve  the  throat  genei-ally, 
causing  vomiting,  difficult  breathing  and  swallowing,  the 


118  The  Farmer's  Yeterina7'y  Adviser. 

general  symptoms  of  anthrax,  and  death  from  suffocation 
often  under  twenty-four  hours.  It  attacks  pigs  of  five  or 
six  months. 

(E)  In  Dogs  and  Cats. — These  suffer  when  they  have  eaten 
the  carcasses  of  anthrax  victims.  The  disease  usually  lo- 
calizes itself  in  tlie  mouth,  throat,  and  digestive  organs, 
giving  rise  to  bloody  vomiting  and  purging,  with  high  fe- 
ver and  often  death. 

(F)  Birds  suffer  from  the  primary  disease  and  more 
frequently  from  eating  the  debris  of  anthrax  victims.  The 
susceptibility  of  birds  is  slight,  but  may  be  easily  developed 
by  a  chill  or  other  cause  of  low  vitality  and  lessened  power 
of  resistance.  In  addition  to  the  fever,  characteristic 
swellings  appear  mainly  on  the  comb,  beak,  and  feet. 

(G)  Lsr  Man. — Malignant  Pustule.  There  is  itchiness  of 
the  affected  part,  with  a  minute  red  spot,  increasing  in 
twelve  or  fifteen  hours  to  the  size  of  a  millet-seed,  bursting 
and  drying  with  a  livid  appearance  in  thirty-six  hours. 
Next  day  a  new  crop  of  vesicles  surround  the  seat  of  the  first 
and  pass  through  the  same  course,  to  be  succeeded  by  an- 
other and  still  wider  ring.  The  whole  is  surrounded  by  a 
puffy,  shining  swelling,  the  central  dry  part  passes  through 
the  shades  of  red,  blue,  brown,  and  black,  becomes  gan- 
grenous and  insensible  and  in  case  of  recovery  is  sloughed 
off.  At  first  the  disease  is  quite  local,  but  as  it  advances  a 
violent  fever  sets  in,  which  too  often  proves  fatal. 

Bacillar  Anthrax  without  External  Swellings. 

Ajpoplectic  Form.  In  all  animals  there  is  a  form  in  which 
the  victim  is  cut  off  after  a  few  minutes'  illness,  with  or 
without  discharge  of  blood  from  the  natural  openings  of 
the  body  and  before  time  has  been  allowed  for  any  of 
those  changes  in  the  blood  and  internal  organs  which  char- 
acterize the  disease.  These  are  often  to  be  distinguished 
from  apoplectic  seizures  and  sunstroke  only  by  their  occur- 


S^yecific  Contagious  Diseases.  119 

rence  simultaneously  with  other  forms  of  anthrax  and  in 
the  same  places. 

Anthrax  Fever  in  Horses.  Vigorous  health  is  replaced 
by  dullness,  muscular  weakness,  stupor,  hanging  on  the 
lialter,  leaning  on  the  side  of  the  stall,  if  at  work  unsteady 
movement,  colicky  pains,  lying  down  and  rising,  turning 
the  head  toward  the  flank.  The  hair  is  dry  and  erect,'  the 
hide  tense,  and  may  even  crepitate  on  handling ;  the  skin 
trembles  or  sweats  about  the  ears,  elbows,  or  thighs.  The 
eyes  and  nose  assume  a  yellow  or  reddish  or  brownish- 
yellow  tinge,  with  oftentimes  dark  red  or  black  spots.  The 
pulse  is  weak,  the  heart's  impulse  behind  the  left  elbow 
strong,  bi-eathing  labored  or  quick  and  catching.  A  frothy, 
bloody  fluid  may  appear  at  the  nose.  The  bowels  are  costive, 
the  dung  covered  with  mucus,  or  loose  with  streaks  of  blood. 
The  rectum,  everted,  is  of  a  dark  red  and  puffy.  Great 
weakness  comes  on  and  the  patient  dies  in  convulsions  or 
during  the  subsequent  calm.  Death  usually  occurs  in 
twelve  to  twenty-four  hours. 

Anthrax  Fever  in  Oxen*  Splenic  Ajpoplexy.  The  patient 
ceases  feeding  and  ruminating  or  does  so  irregularly,  trem- 
bles, has  partial  sweats,  staring  coat,  varying  heat  of  the 
body,  arched  back,  quarters  rested  on  the  stall  or  fence, 
or  lies  with  the  head  turned  to  the  flank.  A  high  tem- 
perature (105°  to  107°)  precedes  the  outward  symptoms  by 
hours  or  days.  The  eye  is  sunken,  dull,  watery,  with  the 
shades  of  brown  and  yellow,  and  dark  spots,  remarked  in 
the  horse ;  breathing  hurried,  heart's  action  violent,  pulse 
weak,  loins  and  back  tender  or  even  crepitating,  urine 
bloody,  bloody  liquids  escape  from  nose,  anus,  or  eyes,  and 
the  dung  is  streaked  with  blood.  As  the  disease  advances 
the  temperature  of  the  body  decreases  and  the  patient  dies 
in  convulsions  or  quietude,  or  makes  a  rapid  recovery.  The 
fatal  result  usually  takes  place  in  from  twelve  to  twenty- 
four  hours. 


120  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Anthrax  Fever  in  Sheep;  Blood-strihing ;  Bvaocy.  J  s 
very  promptly  fatal,  tlie  dead  and  already  foetid  carcasses 
being  nsually  found  in  the  morning  though  the  flock  was 
apparently  well  at  night.  The  black,  tarry  blood  brighten- 
ing very  slowly  on  exposure,  the  enlarged  spleen  and  mesen- 
teric glands,  the  red,  puffy,  softened  membrane  of  the 
bowels,  and  the  bloody  and  gelatinous  exudations  show  the 
true  nature  of  the  disease.  When  seen  during  life  there 
are  signs  of  plethora,  fever,  red  eyes,  costiveness,  bloody, 
mucous  dung,  bloody  urine,  colicky  pains,  unsteady  gait, 
breathlessness  when  driven,  flattened  fleece,  deep-sunken 
eyes,  stupor,  convulsions,  and  speedy  death.  Many  cases 
of  so-called  braxy  are  not  communicable  to  other  animals, 
hence  not  genuine  anthrax. 

Anthrax  Fever  in  Swine.  There  are  dullness,  thirst,  in- 
appetence,  a  tardy,  unsteady  gait,  hot,  pendent  ears,  droop- 
ing tail,  deep,  dull  brownish-red  ej'es,  hurried  breathing, 
small  pulse,  violent  heart's  action,  and  tense,  tender  abdo- 
men. Nervous  tremors,  twitching,  or  cramps  come  on,  the 
body  cools,  bloody  urine  is  passed  and  sometimes  bloody 
dung.  Dark  or  black  spots  appear  on  the  skin  and  mucous 
membranes,  as  in  hog-cholera^  and  if  the  animal  survives, 
these  are  sloughed  off,  often  leaving  sores.  If  swelling 
appears  externally  it  is  often  a  herald  of  improvement. 

Anthrax  Fever. in  Birds.  There  is  inappetence,  ruflling 
of  plumage,  sinking  of  the  head  in  the  shoulders,  foetid 
diarrhoea,  drooping,  trailing  wings,  tenderness  to  the  touch, 
muscular  weakness,  unsteady  walk,  inability  to  perch,  livid 
or  black  comb  and  wattles.  Sometimes  the  feathers  drop 
off  and  swellings  appear  about  the  head,  throat,  or  feet. 

Treatment  of  Bacillar  Anthrax. 

This  is  unsatisfactory,  owing  to  the  rapidly  fatal  action 
of  the  poison.  The  first  cases  usually  die,  the  later  ones 
may  often  be  treated  with  fair  success. 


Sjpecific  Contagious  Diseases.  121 

General  Treatment.  In  very  plethoric  subjects  bleeding 
may  prove  beneficial  at  the  outset,  but  in  advanced  stages, 
in  poor  and  weak  subjects,  and  in  those  with  feeble  con- 
stitutions, like  sheep,  it  is  to  be  strongly  condemned.  Act 
on  the  bowels,  kidneys,  and  skin  to  eliminate  the  poison 
(sulphates  of  soda,  or  magnesia,  acetate,  nitrate,  or  tartrate 
of  potassa,  coimnon  salt,  oil  of  turpentine).  Sponge  with 
cold  water  and  rub  actively  till  dry.  Rub  with  camphor- 
ated spirit  or  oil  of  turpentine.  Give  tonics  (quinia,  sali- 
cin,  etc.),  antiseptics  (mineral  acids,  nitro-muriatic  acid, 
tincture  of  the  muriate  of  iron,  chlorate  of  potassa,  car- 
bolic acid,  bisulphite  of  soda,  tincture  of  iodine,  iodide  of 
potassium,  biniodide  of  mercury,  salicylate  of  soda,  bichro- 
mate of  potassa).  In  the  Genesee  outbreak  of  18T5  I  had 
admirable  results  from  the  use  of  nitro-muriatic  acid  sixty 
drops,  bichromate  of  potassa  three  grs.,  and  chlorate  of 
potassa  two  drachms,  twice  daily  by  the  mouth,  and  two  or 
three  drachms  of  a  saturated  solution  of  sulphate  of  quinia, 
iodide  of  potassium  and  bisulphate  of  soda  injected  at 
equal  intervals  beneath  the  skin.  Of  fifty  very  sick  oxen 
only  four  died. 

In  the  advanced  and  weak  conditions  stimulants  (alco- 
hol, turpentine,  ether,  valerian,  angelica,  camphor,  etc.), 
are  useful. 

Local  Treatment.  This  is  very  successful  with  inocu- 
lated forms  of  the  disease  (malignant  pustule,  boil-plague, 
gloss-anthrax,  malignant  sore  throat)  if  employed  before 
the  poison  has  passed  into  the  system  and  produced  fever. 
For  these,  free  cauterization,  and  especially  with  the  anti- 
septic caustics  (crystallized  carbolic  acid,  the  mineral  acids, 
chloride  of  zinc,  chloride  of  iron,  sulphate  of  iron  or  cop- 
per, tincture  of  iodine),  is  successful.  But  the  whole  dis- 
eased tissue  must  be  reached,  and  in  the  case  of  the 
tongue  the  blisters  must  be  first  laid  open  and  the  agent  ap- 
plied in  small  quantity  with  a  brush,  or  more  freely  in  a  di- 
ll 


122  The  Fanner'^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

lilted  condition.  In  some  external  cases  the  hot  iron  is  used 
witli  advantage.  Such  treatment  may  still  be  applied  to 
circumscribed  tumors  accompanied  by  the  fever,  being  fol- 
lowed by  poultices  to  encourage  suppuration. 

For  extensive  engorgements  use  astringents  (cold  water, 
vinegar,  etc.),  weak  aiitiseptic  lotions,  and,  above  all,  in- 
jections with  a  hypodermic  syringe  of  antiseptics  (dihited 
tincture  of  iodine,  diluted  carbolic  acid — 1-100,  etc.).  The 
hypodermic  treatment  is  equally  applicable  to  the  circum- 
scribed tumors,  but  we  must  saturate  their  whole  substance, 
otherwise  absorption  of  the  poison  will  lead  to  general  dis- 
order. 

Prevention.  1.  Drain  the  soil  thoroughly.  2.  When  a 
soil  cannot  be  drained,  soil  the  stock  in-doors  or  on  other 
pastures  rather  than  graze  them.  3.  Remove  the  stock 
from  pastures  known  to  be  dangerous  as  soon  as  summer 
heat  and  dryness  of  the  soil  favor  malarious  emanations 
(late  summer  and  autumn).  4.  Shelter  the  stock  at  night 
and  secure  the  shade  of  trees  or  sheds  during  the  day, 
when,  after  a  hot,  dry  season,  there  comes  an  extreme 
difference  between  the  day  and  night  temperature.  5.  Se- 
cure abundance  of  pure  water,  avoiding  such  as  is  stag- 
nant or  putrid.  6.  Keep  always  in  good  thriving  condi- 
tion, and  avoid  sudden  accessions  of  plethora.  Artificial 
feeding  in  dry  times  is  often  necessary  to  secure  this,  or, 
in  case  of  an  over-luxuriant  pasture,  seclusion  in  a  barn- 
yard for  four  or  five  hours  a  day.  Sheep  may  be  shut 
up  on  moonlight  nights,  to  prevent  feeding,  in  dangerous 
localities.  7.  Overwork,  exhaustion,  close-aired  buildings, 
ill-health,  or  whatever  tends  to  load  the  blood  with  waste 
matter  should  be  avoided.  8.  Exposed  animals  may  have  a 
little  nitro-muriatic,  sulphuric,  or  carbolic  acid  daily  in  the 
water  or  food.  9.  Diseased  animals  must  be  separated  from 
the  healthy.  10.  Carcasses,  secretions,  dung,  litter,  etc., 
of  diseased  animals   should    be  burned  or  otherwise   per- 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  123 

fectly  destroyed.  Buildings,  yards,  sheds,  etc.,  occupied  by 
the  diseased  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected.  Pastures 
should  be  abandoned  for  that  season,  and  graves  fenced 
safely  from  trespass  for  two  years.  11.  None  but  the  at- 
tendants should  approach  the  diseased.  12.  Before  hand- 
linof,  cauterize  all  raw  sores  on  hands  or  face  with  lunar  cans- 
tic  and  wash  the  hands  in  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic 
acid  both  before  and  after.  13.  Shut  up  all  dogs,  cats, 
and  pigeons.  11.  Never  allow  the  flesh  or  milk  to  pass 
into  consumption. 

By  way  of  prevention  I  have  had  excellent  results  from 
two  hypodermic  injections,  at  intervals  of  a  week,  of  a  drachm 
of  the  diseased  blood  or  exudate,  after  it  had  been  exposed 
for  an  hour  to  a  temperature  of  150"^  F.  Pasteur's  method 
of  injecting  the  weakened  virus  is  only  permissible  on  soils 
already  charged  with  the  poison.  Elsewliere  it  endangers 
the  permanent  implanting  of  the  germ  in  new  soil. 

YiBEioNic  Anthrax.  Emphysematous  Anthrax.  Bloody 
Murrain.  Milzbrand-Emphysem.  Charbon  Symp- 
tomatique. 

From  the  time  of  Chabert  till  recently  this  lias  been 
classed  with  bacillar  anthrax,  but  is  now  shown  to  depend 
on  a  vibrio  or  motile  rod,  shorter  and  broader  than  that  of 
anthrax,  rounded  at  its  ends  and  furnished  with  a  clear  re- 
frangent  nucleus  near  one  end  (rarely  in  the  middle,  though 
there  may  be  two,  one  at  each  end  of  a  long  vibrio).  The 
nucleus  is  easily  mistaken  for  a  micrococcus,  as  the  filament 
has  the  same  index  of  refraction  with  the  surrounding  liquid. 
In  its  active  movements  too  it  often  presents  but  one  end, 
and  thus  appears  spherical. 

The  germ  is  fatal  to  guinea-pigs,  and  in  large  doses  to 
cattle,  sheep,  and  goats,  but  can  be  inoculated  with  difficulty 
only  on  rabbits,  horses,  and  asses,  while  dogs,  cats,  swine, 
and  chickens  successfully  rc^sist  it. 


124  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

It  is  further  distinguished  from  bacillar  anthrax,  in  that 
animals  insusceptible  to  that  by  reason  of  a  previous  attack 
or  inoculation  are  not  thereby  rendered  exempt  from  vibri- 
onic  anthrax. 

The  blood  is  not  usually  infecting,  as  it  rarely  contains 
the  germ  save  in  the  advanced  stages.  The  vibrio  is  found 
above  all,  in  the  liver,  but  also  in  the  lymphatic  glands, 
spleen,  kidney,  lung,  and  intermuscular  connective  tissue 
when  the  seat  of  the  exudate. 

The  disease  is  ushered  in  by  high  fever  and  much  depres- 
sion, followed  in  a  few  hours  by  a  swelling  on  some  part 
of  the  body,  at  first  soft  and  doughy,  but  soon  crackling 
under  pressure  from  the  formation  of  gases  under  the  skin. 
The  ear  laid  on  the  swelling  detects  a  fine  crepitating  sound 
caused  by  the  bursting  of  fine  bubbles  of  gas.  The  surface 
may  be  the  seat  of  blisters  with  reddish  contents,  or  it  may 
dischai-ge  drops  of  a  bloody  or  straw-colored  serum  which 
concretes  on  the  surface,  and  the  swelling,  at  first  hot,  may 
finally  become  cold  and  the  skin  dry  and  leathery  should 
the  animal  survive.  The  skin  may,  further,  crack  open  or 
slough  oft",  together  with  part  of  the  tissue  beneath,  forming 
an  indolent,  unhealthy  sore.  More  commonly  the  fever 
advances  rapidly,  with  rapidly  increasing  weakness  and  de- 
bility, and  death  ensues  in  a  period  varying  from  six  hours 
to  two  days. 

It  is  only  in  the  mildest  cases  that  treatment  can  be  of 
any  avail,  and  then  it  need  not  differ  materially  from  that 
advised  for  bacillar  anthrax.  The  early  appearance  of  the 
general  fever  would  suggest  the  prompt  use  of  internal 
antiseptics  (salicylate  of  soda,  iodide  of  potassium,  quinia, 
bichloride  of  mercury,  biniodide  of  mercury,  bichromate  of 
potash).  For  the  local  swelling,  too,  the  free  use  of  acid 
astringents  (acetic,  or  hydrochloric  acid)  largely  diluted, 
and  antiseptics  superficially  and  by  hy]-»odermic  injection  is 
to  be  recommended.     Internally  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron, 


Sjpecijic  Contagious  Diseases.  125 

four  drachms,  every  four  hours,  and  locallj^  equal  parts  of 
tincture  of  iodine,  aqua  ammonia,  and  oil  of  turpentine 
(Dr.  Pliares)  is  very  successful. 

By  way  of  prevention  specific  care  should  be  given  to 
the  young  and  plethoric  as  the  most  susceptible.  Keep- 
ing always  in  good  condition  and  avoiding  sudden  acces- 
sions of  plethora  proves  very  beneficial.  No  less  useful  is 
the  maintenance  of  free  action  of  bowels  and  kidneys,  by 
a  moderate  ration  of  flaxseed  or  other  laxative.  The 
avoidance  of  night  frosts  alternating  with  hot  noons,  of  un- 
wholesome or  insuflScient  food,  of  impure  water,  or,  indeed, 
of  any  cause  of  debility  is  desirable.  On  infected  soils  the 
avoidance  of  damp  grass,  by  seclusion  in  houses  at  night,  or 
even  by  soiling  the  cattle  altogether,  may  be  resorted  to. 
Antiseptics  (copperas,  carbolic  acid,  sulphites  of  soda  or 
lime,  and  iodide  of  potassium)  may  be  useful. 

It  is  a  common  practice  on  infected  lands  to  insert  a  seton 
through  the  dewlap  of  each  of  the  young  cattle,  with  the 
view  of  preventing  undue  plethora.  The  beneficial  result 
is  probably  rather  due  to  the  fact  that  the  germ  is  planted 
in  the  wound,  where,  in  connection  with  active  suppuration, 
it  produces  a  mild  infection  only,  the  germs  remaining  con- 
fined to  the  sore,  and  the  animal  recovering  enjoys  a  subse- 
quent immunity.  A  sin\ilar  protection  may  be  secured  by 
inoculation  with  a  weakened  specimen  of  the  virus,  or  still 
better,  by  the  virus  that  has  been  sterilized  by  heat. 

PYEMIA.       PURULENT   INFECTION   (bLOOD-POISONING  ?). 

It  has  long  been  known  that  in  connection  with  wounds 
which  have  become  unhealthy  or  suddenlj^  dried  up,  a  se: 
vere  general  fever  often  sets  in,  accompanied  by  the  devel- 
opment of  abscesses  in  different  parts  of  the  body  and  early 
death.  It  is  now  known  that  suppuration  is  usually  or  al- 
ways associated  with  the  presence  in  the  seat  of  its  forma- 
tion of  bactei'ia,  and  that,  when  secpncjary  abscesses  appear 


126  The  Fanner'^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

in  different  parts  of  the  body,  these  niicro-oi-ganisnis  are 
constantly  found  in  such  parts.  Why  all  suppurations  do 
not  produce  this  general  infection  is  not  well  understood, 
but  there  is  doubtless  a  vai'ving  power  of  resistance  in  dif- 
ferent subjects,  and  a  varying  potency  of  the  alkaloids  and 
other  poisons  produced  by  the  bacteria  under  slightly  dif- 
ferent conditions  of  life.  The  frequent  formation  of  ab- 
scesses filled  with  these  micro-organisms  in  the  deepest  and 
most  solid  tissues  of  the  body,  is  evidence  enough  that  they 
may  exist  in  an  apparently  healthy  system  and  only  opeiate 
for  serious  evil  under  certain  conditions  of  local  or  general 
debility.  The  poison  acquires  greater  potency  when  grown 
in  the  body  apart  from  air,  as  in  the  generative  passages 
after  parturition,  etc. 

There  are  various  micro-organisms  in  the  different  forms 
of  suppuration,  all  of  a  spherical  form,  though  one  is  ar- 
ranged in  form  of  a  chain. 

Kranzfeld,  who  has  experimented  largely  on  the  subject, 
describes,  first,  those  found  in  groups — Staphylococcus  Pyo- 
genes (aureus,  albus,  and  citrous),  and  second,  the  chain  form, 
Streptococcus  Pyogenes.  The  swelling  and  suppuration 
caused  by  the  j^r^^named  type  tend  to  appear  in  the  seat 
of  injury,  while  those  due  to  the  second  tend  to  affect 
the  nearest  communicating  lymphatic  glands.  Both  may 
cause  general  infection,  the  abscesses  from  the  first  appear- 
ing by  preference  in  the  internal  organs,  and  those  from 
the  second  in  the  joints,  marrow  of  bones  (Osteo-myelitis) 
and  serous  membranes. 

Sym.^toms.  If  following  on  an  external  wound,  the  ac- 
cess of  fever  is  usually  coincident  with  a  drying  of  the  wound 
and  a  dark-red,  glistening,  unhealthy  appeai-ance  of  its  sur- 
face. A  chill  is  constant,  and  following  this  the  body  tem- 
perature is  high  and  variable,  the  breath  strong  or  mawkish 
in  odor ;  the  tongue  red,  furred  ;  the  teeth  covered  with  in- 
crustations ;  the  eye  sunken,  hopeless ;  theie  may  be  diar- 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  127 

rlicea  or  bleeding  from  the  nose,  and  soon  there  are  indica- 
tions of  the  formation  of  the  secondary  abscesses  in  the 
lymphatic  glands,  joints,  bones,  or  internal  organs.  Pyaemia 
does  not  at  once  follow  a  surface  wound,  but  usually  appears 
a  week  or  two  later,  after  suppuration  has  been  freely  estab- 
lished. 

Treatment,  Prevention.  The  treatment  of  pyaemia  is  so 
generally  unsatisfactory  that  attention  should  rather  be 
given  to  prevention.  At  the  same  time  antiseptics  (sulphate 
or  muriate  of  quinia,  salicylate  of  soda,  hyposulphite  of  soda, 
benzoate  of  soda,  etc.)  may  be  given,  together  with  elimi- 
nating diuretics,  and  stimulants.  Secondary  abscesses  should 
be  opened,  and  dressed  with  antiseptics.  Its preveniio7i  is 
to  be  sought  mainly  in  avoidance  of  injuries,  and  in  the 
maintenance  of  a  pure  antiseptic  atmosphere,  for  surgical 
patients  especially.  Filthy  stables,  with  close,  polluted  cavi- 
ties under  the  floor,  rotten  woodwork  and  soft  brick  charged 
with  all  manner  of  septic  products,  is  but  an  invitation  to 
this  class  of  diseases  (pyaemia,  septicaemia,  erysipelas,  sep- 
tic puerperal  fever,  etc.),  while  perfect  cleanliness,  pure  air, 
and  antiseptic  dressings  for  wounds  are  the  best  antidotes. 
A  dressing  of  carbolic  acid  (1  part  to  50  parts  of  water  or  1 
to  15  of  vaseline),  or  of  bichloride  of  mercury  (1  part  to 
5,000  water),  covered  by  a  tiiick  layer  of  absorbent  cotton 
also  charged  with  the  same  dressing,  and  dried,  may  fail  to 
exclude  germs  from  the  wound,  but  will  rarely  fail  to  retard 
their  growth  and  keep  them  from  attaining  a  dangerous 
development. 

SEPTICAEMIA.       SEPTIC    INFECTION    (bLOOD-POISONINg). 

This  is  the  exact  counterpart  of  pyaemia,  the  tissue  or  the 
system  at  large  being  poisoned  by  the  entrance  of  septic 
bacteria  or  their  poisonous  products.  Like  pyaemia,  also,  it 
is  not  dependent  on  one  invariable  micro-organism,  but  in 
different  cases  depends  on  distinct  germs,  giving  rise  to  more 


128  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

or  less  variable  symptoms.  It  is,  therefore,  in  its  causation 
not  one  disease,  but  rather  a  group  of  allied  diseases,  and 
this  is  one  reason  why  one  attack  will  not  necessarily  pro- 
tect against  a  second. 

Among  the  micro-organisms  may  be  named  a  micrococcus 
of  septicaemia  in  rabbits,  fowls,  rats,  and  guinea-pigs  ;  a  mi- 
crococcus from  the  mouths  of  certain  men,  fatal  to  rabbits ; 
two  bacilli  of  septicaemia  in  the  mouse,  1.6  //,  (tt¥ot  inch) 
and  1  jjb  {^tldii  ii^ch)  in  length.  It  is  clear  that  different 
germs  are  present  in  different  cases  and  in  different  animals, 
and  that  a  germ  proving  fatal  to  one  genus  of  animal  is 
often  comparatively  harmless  to  another  genus.  As  in  the 
case  of  pyaemia,  ill-health,  an  impure  condition  of  the  blood 
and  animal  fluids,  foul,  close  atmosphere,  overcrowding  of 
patients,  and  a  special  potency  of  the  poison,  from  previous 
growth  in  given  media,  and  above  all  in  the  animal  body, 
strongly  conduce  to  an  attack. 

Septicaemia  may  appear  at  any  time,  from  the  moment  of 
the  infliction  of  a  poisoned  wound  to  any  stage  of  its  pro- 
gress, whereas  pyaemia  occurs  only  after  the  onset  of  suppu- 
ration. Again  it  may  remain  exclusively  local  or  it  may 
produce  at  once  general  fever  with  little  local  inflammation 
and  destroy  the  patient  in  two  to  four  days.  The  differ- 
ence depends  largely  on  the  varying  strength  of  the  poison 
and  on  the  difference  in  the  power  of  resistance  in  different 
individuals.  The  local  form  affects,  especially,  the  lym- 
phatic vessels,  giving  rise  to  local,  boggy,  dark-red  swelling, 
and  in  white,  delicate  skhis  to  a  branching  redness,  lead- 
ing along  the  lines  of  the  lymphatics  and  veins.  It  appears 
to  be  generally  through  these  lymphatics  that  the  poison 
enters  the  blood  to  produce  the  constitutional  disease, 
whereas  in  micrococcus  pyaemia  the  distribution  appears  to 
take  place  mainly  through  the  veins,  and  in  the  substance 
of  minute  floating  blood-clots. 

Septicaemia  usually  sets  in  without  a  chill,  but  sequent  to 


specific  Conta-gious  Diseases.  129 

a  putrid  state  of  the  wound.  The  body  temperature  runs 
very  high,  lowering,  sometimes  even  to  tlie  natural,  especi- 
ally in  the  morning,  but  only  to  rise  again,  and  it  becomes 
abnormally  low  onl^^  in  the  last  stages.  The  wound  becomes 
of  a  dark  red  with  dirty  grayish  spots  and  black  edges. 
The  breath  is  mawkish  or  fetid,  the  mouth  dry,  thirst  ar- 
dent, skin  moist  but  without  free  perspirations,  mucous 
membranes  dusky  yellow  ;  expression  of  countenance  dull, 
listless,  stupid,  heartless,  and  there  is  much  muscular  weak- 
ness or  letharg}'.  A  very  offensive,  watery  diarrhoea  is  a 
marked  symptom  ;  and  vomiting  uiay  occur  in  pigs  and  car- 
nivora. 

There  is  no  tendency  to  secondary  abscesses,  and  after 
death  there  may  be  little  change,  save  enlarged,  engorged 
spleen,  softened  liver,  and  an  incoagulable  condition  of  the 
blood.     The  blood  of  pyaemia  coagulates  firmly. 

Though  occurring  separately  pyaemia  and  septicaemia  often 
co-exist,  when  the  sj^mptoms  of  both  diseases  are  combined. 

Treatment  is  not  satisfactory  in  the  general  disorder, 
though  it  consists  in  support  by  antiseptic  tonics  (quinia, 
salicin)  and  alcoholic  stimulants.  The  mineral  acids  (mu- 
riatic, nitro-nniriatic)  are  also  febrifuge,  and  general  anti-fer- 
ments (salicylate  of  soda,  hyposulphite  of  soda,  etc.)  may 
be  resorted  to.  J^ourishing  feeding,  and  pure  air  are,  above 
all,  important. 

For  the  wound,  lotions  of  antiseptics — hyposulphite  of 
soda,  permanganate  of  potash,  carbolic  acid,  chloride  of  zinc, 
chlorinated  soda,  boro-glycerine,  etc. — may  be  freely  used  in 
the  form  of  lotion  on  sterilized  cotton. 

Prevention  is  essentially  the  same  as  for  pyaemia,  which 
see.  In  no  case  should  an  operation  be  performed  on  a 
subject  in  a  low  state  of  health,  as  the  system  is  then  much 
more  open  to  attack,  and  no  surgical  patient  should  be  kept 
in  an  impure  atmosphere. 

(For  Erysipelas  see  Skin  Diseases.) 


130  ^'^^  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


BIRD    CHOLERA.       CHICKEN   CHOLERA. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  destructive  of  our  indigenous  ani- 
mal plagues,  and  causes  greater  losses  in  the  United  States 
than  can  be  well  conceived  of,  considering  the  relatively  low 
value  of  the  individual  animal.  The  susceptibility  is  not 
confined  to  chickens,  though,  as  usually  seen,  it  proves  espec- 
ially destructive  to  these.  By  inoculation  Renault  conveyed 
it  in  fatal  form  to  pigeons,  ducks,  geese,  and  parrots,  and 
during  its  prevalence  in  a  district  we  frequently  see  dead 
thrushes  and  other  wild  bii'ds  manifest  victims  of  the  same 
infection.  Kenault  and  Toussaint  have  conveyed  it  in  fatal 
form  to  rabbits ;  and  the  latter,  supported  by  recent  German 
observers,  considers  it  identical  with  ralhit  se^ticcemia,  so 
that  rats  and  mice  must  be  added  to  the  susceptible  list. 
Renault  inoculated  both  dog  and  horse,  with  fatal  result,  but 
Toussaint  found  that  in  horse,  ass,  dog,  and  sheep  inocula- 
tions produced  local  swelling  and  abscess  with  much  consti- 
tutional disturbance,  but  the  blood  did  not  become  virulent 
and  recovery  ensued. 

The  germ  is  a  slightly  ovoid  micrococcus  found  in  the  dis- 
charges and  in  the  blood.  It  is  evident  that  infection  may  be 
conveyed  by  birds,  wild  and  tame,  by  rabbits,  rats,  and  mice. 
In  the  summer  season  it  is  also  propagated  by  insects. 

Symptoms ;  Course.  Inoculation  is  variable,  averaging 
five  to  eight  days,  and  proving  shortest  in  winter. 

The  bird  becomes  dull,  listless,  trails  its  wings,  drags  its 
limbs,  sits  a  great  deal,  head  sunken  between  the  wings,  and 
feathers  rufiled.  It  seeks  sunshine,  and  if  several  suffer  they 
huddle  together  for  heat.  Temperature  rises  to  109°. 
Appetite  is  lost,  but  thirst  continues,  and  abundant  yellowish 
or  yellowish-green  discharges  are  passed,  with  in  some  cases 
a  whitish  flow  from  the  bill  and  nostrils.  The  comb  and 
wattles  become  flaccid,  and  of  a  dark  livid  or  blue  color, 
at  first  in  spots  and  later  throughout,  weakness  and  prostra- 


Specific  Contagious  Diseases.  \^\ 


tion  advance  rapidly  and  death  ensues  after  two  or  tlirec 
days  of  illness.  In  the  later  stages  of  an  epizootic,  the 
deaths  are  delayed  by  several  days  and  a  considerable  pro- 
portion recover. 

Tr-eatment  is  not  satisfactory,  though  the  nse  of  antisep- 
tics (sulphuric,  benzoic,  or  salicylic  acid,  chloride  of  lime,  car- 
bolic acid)  in  the  water  may  be  resorted  to. 

Prevention  has  not  been  secured  through  inoculation  with 
sterilized  virus,  but  can  be  attained  by  nsing  virus  so  dihited 
that  but  one  or  two  bacteria  are  inserted  nnder  the  skin 
(Salmon),  or  by  the  use  of  virus  that  has  rested  inactive  in 
free  air  for  three  to  five  months  (Pastenr).  In  either  case 
a  small  slough  forms  in  the  skin  and  muscles  aronnd  tlie 
puncture. 

The  simplest  and  cheapest  preventive  is  sulpluiric  acid  of 
a  strength  of  not  less  than  60  drops  to  the  pound  of  water 
(1-150)  freely  sprinkled  on  the  buildings,  yards,  and  feed- 
ing-grounds. When  the  range  is  too  extensive  to  sprinkle 
thus,  restrict  it  till  it  can  be,  and  on  the  subsidence  of  the 
outbreak  keep  up  the  restriction,  or  remove  the  fowls  to  new 
land. 

ACTESrOMYCOSIS. 

TIlis  is  a  parasitic  disease  of  animals  and  man,  caused  by 
the  growth  in  the  bones  or  soft  tissues  of  a  fungus  whicli 
grows  in  tufts,  consisting  of  cells  converging  to  a  central 
stem,  like  the  seeds  of  a  composite  plant  (daisy),  and  appear- 
ing on  section  to  radiate,  and  hence  the  name— Actinomyces 
— star  fungus. 

The  individual  tufts  may  reach  the  size  of  a  small  pin's 
head,  and  reflect  a  yellowish  color  in  the  midst  of  a  pinkish 
or  dirty  white  soft  exudate.  The  tufts  are  further  extremely 
hard,  so  that  they  cannot  be  cut  in  slices  for  the  microscope 
until  they  have  been  softened  in  a  weak  acid. 

The  fungus  usually  invades  the  interior  of  the  jaw-bone, 
upper  or  lower,  or  the  soft  i^arts  adjacent  (tongue,  cheeks, 


1 32  Th^  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

face,  throat)  but  is  also  found  in  the  lungs  and  other  inter- 
nal organs.  About  the  head  it  seems  to  start  from  slight 
sores  of  the  gums  or  mucous  membrane  or  cavities  by  the 
side  of  decaying  teeth  and  to  extend  slowly  into  the  solid 
tissues.  The  affected  jaw-bone  swells  out  into  a  large  rounded 
mass,  and  the  outer  dense  bone  becoming  absorbed  before 
the  advancing  soft  growth  within,  the  diseased  mass  finally 
reaches  the  surface  and  gives  rise  to  running  sores.  This 
was  formerly  known  as  "lump-jaw"  or  "  osteo-sarcoma " 
but  the  presence  of  the  gritty  yellow  granules  in  the  open 
sores  betrays  the  true  nature  of  the  malady.  When  the 
tongue  is  attacked  the  growth  takes  place  as  a  rounded  hard 
swelling  which  has  given  rise  to  the  name  of  wooden  tongue. 
As  it  advances  it  approaches  the  surface  and  forms  a  raw 
ulceratinor  sore  in  w^hich  the  yellow  tufts  may  be  found.  At 
times  the  whole  face  may  be  involved,  the  lips  and  nostrils 
becoming  thick,  firm,  rigid,  and  comparatively  immovable, 
and  the  mucous  membrane  as  well  as  the  skin  is  swollen  so 
that  breathing  is  snuffling  and  difficult.  Around  the  throat 
it  forms  similar  hard  resistant  swellings,  more  or  less  round 
as  it  invades  especially  the  glands.  In  the  lungs  the  deposit 
causes  modification  or  loss  of  the  respiratory  murmur  over 
circumscribed  areas,  with  cough  and  expectoration,  but  un- 
less the  yellow  tufts  can  be  found  in  the  expectoration  the 
exact  nature  of  the  disease  may  escape  recognition. 

Prevention. — As  the  fungus  appears  in  grass  and  grain 
fed  animals  in  omnivora  and  carnivora,  no  precautions  as  to 
diet  can  be  suggested,  except  the  avoidance  of  very  coarse 
fibrous  food  likely  to  wound  the  mouth  or  throat,  and  of  hard 
flinty  corn  and  other  seeds  likely  to  cause  injury  to  the  teeth. 
Vegetation  grown  on  pastures  where  the  disease  prevails 
should  especially  be  avoided.  I  liave  known  tlie  affection 
recur  in  three  generations  of  cattle  on  the  same  soil.  Dis- 
eased teeth  and  ulcerated  gums  w^hich  might  form  a  seed- 
bed for  the  germ  should  be  extracted,  filled,  or  healed.    Fi- 


S].)CGific  Contagioits  Diseases.  133 

nally  the  badly  diseased  should  be  promptly  destroyed  and 
burned  or  boiled,  as  they  are  necessarily  important  propa- 
gators of  the  poison.  The  burning  of  mangers,  racks,  and 
other  woodwork  tliat  may  harbor  the  germ  is  an  obvious 
necessity,  and  the  saturation  of  floors  with  carbolic  acid  or 
chloride  of  lime  may  be  resorted  to. 

Treatment. — This  is  only  advisable  where  the  disease  is 
local  and  superficial.  In  the  parts  about  the  mouth,  and 
even  in  the  jaw-bone,  the  diseased  masses  may  be  scooped 
out  with  a  knife  and  the  cavities  stuffed  with  iodized  carbo- 
lic acid.  This  we  have  known  to  succeed  even  where  the 
enormous  jaw-bone  was  hollowed  out  in  many  great  cavities 
opening  alike  externally  and  into  the  mouth. 

MILK    SICKNESS.       *'  THE    TKEIMBLES." 

A  specific  infectious  disease  peculiar  to  some  unimproved 
agricultural  districts  in  Ohio,  I^Torth  Carolina,  and  other 
States,  usually  occurring  in  cattle,  and  communicable 
through  meat,  milk,  and  cheese  to  warm-blooded  animals 
generally.  A  spirillum  existing  in  the  blood  has  been  de- 
scribed as  the  specific  germ. 

Symptoms.  In  cows  in  full  milk  the  disease  is  said  to 
be  productive  of  scarcely  any  constitutional  disorder,  the 
poison  being  eliminated  by  the  milk  and  proving  very  fatal 
to  the  consumers.  In  cattle  that  do  not  yield  milk,  and  in 
other  animals,  the  symptoms  are  torpid  bowels,  trembling, 
great  muscular  weakness,  swaying  in  the  walk,  inappetence, 
drooping  head  and  eyelids,  utter  listlessness  and  stupidity, 
some  fever,  and  rapidly  advancing  debility  and  marasmus. 
In  man  the  moral  sense  is  practically  abolished  as  a  mani- 
festation of  the  general  hebetude,  and  after  death  the  large 
intestines  are  found  blocked  with  dry  concretions  not  unlike 
sawdust. 

The  malady  has  been  attributed  to  rhus  and  other  vege- 
table poisons,  and  to  nickel  among  the  mineral  products, 
12 


184  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

but  the  conveyance  of  the  affection  through  a  quantity  of 
milk  so  small  as  that  used  in  a  coffee-cup,  and  the  trans- 
mission of  tlie  disease  through  successive  subjects,  argues 
the  multiplication  of  a  living  organism  in  the  system. 

The  malady  usually  disappears  with  the  clearing  of  the 
forest  and  cultivation  of  the  soil,  and  is  chiefly  important 
in  that  the  meat,  milk,  butter,  or  cheese  furnished  by  the 
infected  animals  may  be  sold  and  shipped  to  distant  parts 
of  the  country  to  find  linman  victims  in  the  large  cities  un- 
less due  care  is  taken  to  prevent  it. 

GLANDERS    AND    FARCY. 

A  specific  bacteridian  disorder  originating  in  solipeds, 
and  transmissible  by  contagion  or  inoculation  to  dogs,  cats, 
goats,  sheep,  swine,  rabbits,  and  men.  Glanders  is  char- 
acterized by  a  peculiar  deposit  with  ulceration  on  the  mem- 
brane of  the  nose,  and  in  the  lungs,  etc.,  and  farcy  by 
deposits  of  the  same  material  and  ulcerations  of  the  lym- 
phatics of  the  skin.  Each  has  its  acute  and  chronic  form. 
The  acute  form  usually  results  from  inoculation,  or  in  weak 
and  worn-out  systems.  Besides  the  common  cause — conta- 
gion— overwork,  exhausting  diseases,  and  impure  air  are 
especially  injurious.     The  specific  germ  is  a  bacillus. 

Symptoms  of  Acute  Glanders.  Languor,  dry,  staring 
coat,  red,  weeping  eyes,  impaired  appetite,  accelerated  pulse 
and  breathing,  yellowish-red  or  purple  streaks  or  patches 
in  the  nose,  watery  nasal  discharge,  with  sometimes  painful 
dropsical  swellings  of  the  limbs  or  joints.  Soon  the  nasal 
flow  becomes  yellow  and  sticky,  causing  the  hairs  and  skin 
of  the  nostrils  to  adhere  together,  and  upon  the  mucous 
membi-ane  appear  yellow  elevations  with  red  spots,  passing, 
on  into  erosions  and  deep  ulcers  of  irregular  form  and 
varied  color,  and  with  little  or  no  tendency  to  heal.  The 
lymphatic  glands  inside  the  lower  jaw,  where  the  pulse  is 
felt,  become  enlarged,  hard  and  nodular,  like  a  mass  of  peas 


Sjyecifie  Conta(jious  Diseases.  135 

or  beans,  and  are  occasionally  firmh-  adherent  to  the  skin, 
the  tongue,  or  the  jaw-bone.  The  lymphatics  on  the  face 
often  rise  as  firm  cords.  An  occasional  cough  is  heard  and 
auscultation  detects  crepitation  or  wheezing  in  the  chest. 
The  ulcers  increase  in  number  and  depth,  of  ten  invading  the 
gristle  or  even  the  bone,  the  glands  also  enlarge  but  remain 
hard  and  nodular,  the  discharge  becomes  bloody,  fetid,  and 
so  abundant  and  tenacious  as  to  threaten  or  accomplish  suf- 
focation, and  the  animal  perishes  in  the  greatest  distress. 

Symptoms  of  Chronic  Glanders.  This  is  characterized 
by  the  same  unhealthy  deposits  and  ulcers  in  the  nose, 
varying  extremely  in  size  and  number,  often,  indeed,  situ- 
ated too  high  to  be  seen ;  by  the  same  viscid  discharge,  but 
usually  much  less  tenacious  than  in  the  acute  form  ;  by  the 
same  hard,  comparatively  insensible  nodular  glands  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  jaw-bone ;  and  a  cough,  which,  however, 
is  much  more  rare.  Excepting  at  the  very  outset,  the  ani- 
mal usually  appears  to  be  in  the  best  of  health,  with  the 
apparently  insignificant  drawback  of  the  nasal  discharge, 
and  hence  he  is  often  kept  and  used  till  he  contaminates  a 
number  of  horses  or  even  men.  The  case  is  easil}^  recog- 
nized unless  where  the  ulcers  are  invisible  or  the  enlarged 
glands  removed.  It  is  sometimes  needful  to  inoculate  a  use- 
less animal  to  decide  as  to  the  nature  of  the  malady.  It  usu- 
ally proves  fatal  to  the  inoculated  animal  in  about  ten  days. 

Symptoms  of  Acute  Farcy.  The  premonitory  symptoms 
resemble  those  of  acute  glanders,  of  which  it  is  but  another 
manifestation.  The  local  symptoms  consist  in  thickenini!: 
of  the  lymphatic  vessels,  which  feel  like  stout  cords,  painful 
to  pressure ;  and  the  formation  of  rounded  inflammatory 
swellings  (farcy-buds)  along  the  course  of  these  corded 
lymphatics.  There  follow  ulceration  of  these  buds,  raw 
sores,  discharging  a  glairy,  unhealthy  pus,  and  dropsical 
engorgement  of  the  limb  or  other  part  affected.  It  is  usu- 
ally seen  to  follow  the  Hue  of  the  veins  on  the  inner  side  of 


IP^T)  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinai^y  Adviser. 


the  hind  or  fore  limb,  bnt  may  appear  on  any  part.  The 
cording  usually  extends  from  the  feet  toward  the  body,  and 
is  most  likely  to  be  confounded  with  lyinjphangitis,  m  which 
the  swelling  begins  high  up  in  the  groin.  It  usually  proves 
fatal,  becoming  complicated  with  glanders  before  death. 

Symptoms  of  Chronic  Farcy.  This  may  follow  the  acute 
form  or  come  on  insidiously.  First  there  is  some  swelling 
of  a  fetlock,  usually  a  hind  one,  and  a  round,  hard,  nut-like 
mass  may  be  felt,  which  gradually  softens,  bursts,  and  dis- 
charges the  characteristic  serous  or  glairy  matter.  The 
lymphatics  leading  up  from  it  meanwhile  become  corded, 
and  farcy-buds  appear  along  their  course.  Or  the  round, 
pea-like  buds  appear  first  on  the  inner  side  of  the  hock,  or 
on  some  other  part  of  the  body,  soften,  burst  and  discharge 
before  any  cording  of  the  lymphatics  can  be  felt. 

By-and-by,  dropsical  swellings  appear  in  the  limbs  and 
elsewhere,  at  first  soft  and  removable  by  exercise,  later,  hard 
and  permanent.  Sometimes  the  farcy-buds  fail  to  soften, 
but  remain  hard  and  indolent  for  months. 

Glanders  in  the  dog  is  a  comparatively  mild  affection,  but 
as  deadly  if  it  is  conveyed  back  to  the  horse  or  to  man. 
Glanders  in  man  presents  the  same  general  symptoms  as  in 
the  horse,  and  need  not  be  further  described. 

Treatment  of  Glanders.  The  acute  disease  is  fatal.  The 
chronic  form  occasionally  appears  to  recover,  though  more 
commonly  the  symptoms  are  covered  up  to  reappear  when- 
ever the  animal  is  put  to  hard  work.  The  treatment  of 
glanders  in  all  its  forms  and  of  acute  farcy  with  open  sores 
should  be  legally  prohibited,  because  of  the  danger  to  man 
as  well  as  animals. 

For  glanders  the  most  successful  agents  have  been  ar- 
seniate  of  strychnia  (5  grs.),  bisulphite  of  soda  (2  drs.), 
biniodide  of  copper  (1  dr.),  cantharides  (5  grs.),  with  vege- 
table tonics,  sulphate  of  copper  (6  drs.  in  mucilage),  sul- 
phate of  iron  (4  drs.),  chloride  of  barium,  copaiva,  cubebs. 


specific  Contagious  Diseases.  137 

# 

etc.  Pure  air  and  rich  food  are  perhaps  even  more  impor- 
tant. To  the  nose  may  be  applied  sulphur  fumes,  fumes  of 
burning  tar,  carbolic  acid  solution  in  spray,  etc.  The  en- 
larged glands  may  be  treated  with  astringent  solutions,  and 
later  with  iodine  injections,  or  may  even  be  excised  with 
the  knife. 

Treatment  of  Chronic  Farcy.  Active  local  inflammation 
may  demand  a  purgative  (aloes),  diuretics  (iodide  of  potassi- 
um), with  warm  fomentations  or  astringent  lotions,  exercise, 
and  a  soft,  non-stimulating  diet.  In  the  absence  of  such 
indication  use  the  tonics  advised  for  glanders,  choosing  in 
the  order  named.  The  corded  lymphatics  and  unbroken 
farcy-buds  may  be  blistered  or  rubbed  with  iodine  or  mercu- 
rial ointment.  The  raw  sores  should  be  treated  with  caustics 
(carbolic  acid,  nitrate  of  silver,  corrosive  sublimate,  chloride 
of  zinc,  or  even  the  hot  iron).  Use  iodine,  diuretics,  exer- 
cise, rubbing,  etc.,  to  reduce  the  swelling,  and  feed  liberally. 

Prevention.  1.  Destroy  all  glandered  horses,  and  all 
with  acute  farcy  and  open  sores,  and  bury  deeply.  2. 
There  should  be  a  high  penalty  attached  to  the  exposing  of 
glandered  horses  in  public  places.  3.  Suspected  animals 
should  be  secluded  under  veterinary  supervision  until  they 
can  be  pronounced  sound,  or  destroyed.  4.  The  stable, 
manure,  litter,  harness,  clothing,  utensils,  etc.,  with  which 
the  diseased  has  come  in  contact  should  be  thoroughly  dis- 
infected. 5.  Neither  strange  animals  nor  men  should  be 
admitted,  and  attendants  should  disinfect  before  leaving. 
6.  Horses  should  be  protected  as  far  as  possible  from  ex- 
hausting work,  chronic  wearing-out  affections  and  above  all 
impure  and  rebreathed  air. 

VENEREAL   DISEASE    OF   S0LIPED8. 

This  is  a  curious  disease  of  unknown  origin,  existing  in 
Arabia,  North   Africa,  and  Continental  Eui-ope,  beaiing  a 
strong  resemblance  in  many  points  to  Syphilis,  and  prop- 
13* 


138  The  Farmery's  YtUrinari)  Adviser. 

agated  by  copulation.  I  name  it  here  because  of  the 
probability  of  its  importation  with  European  or  Arabian 
horses.  (It  is  already  reported  in  Percherons,  in  Illinois 
and  Montana.) 

Symptoms.  From  one  to  ten  days  after  copulation,  or 
in  the  stallion  sometimes  after  some  weeks,  there  is  irri- 
tation, swelling,  and  a  livid  redness  of  the  external  organs 
of  generation  (in  stallions  the  penis  may  shrink),  followed 
by  unhealthy  ulcers  which  appear  in  successive  crops,  often 
with  considerable  interval.  In  mares  these  are  near  the 
clitoris,  which  is  frequently  erected,  with  switching  and  rub- 
bing of  the  tail ;  in  horses  on  the  penis  and  sheath.  In  the 
milder  forms  there  is  little  constitutional  disturbance  and 
the  patients  recover  in  a  time  varying  from  a  fortnight  to 
two  months.  In  the  severe  forms  the  local  swelling  in- 
creases by  intermittent  steps.  The  vulva  is  the  seat  of 
a  deep  violet  congestion  and  extensive  ulceration,  pustules 
appear  on  the  perineum,  tail,  and  between  the  thighs, 
the  lips  of  the  vulva  are  parted,  exposing  the  irregular, 
nodular,  puckered,  ulcerated,  and  lardaceous-looking  mu- 
cous membrane,  abortion  ensues,  with  emaciation,  lameness, 
paralysis,  and  death  after  a  wretched  existence  of  live 
months  to  two  years.  In  horses  swelling  of  the  sheath 
may  be  the  only  symptom  for  a  year,  then  there  may  follow 
dark  spots  of  extravasated  blood,  or  swellings  of  the  penis, 
the  testicles  may  swell,  a  dropsical  engorgement  extends 
forward  beneath  the  abdomen  and  chest,  the  lymphatic 
glands  in  different  parts  of  the  body  may  swell,  pustules 
and  ulcers  appear  on  the  skin,  the  eyes  and  nose  run,  a 
weak  and  vacillating  movement  of  the  hind  limbs  gradually 
increases  to  paralysis,  and  in  a  period  varying  from  three 
months  to  three  years  death  puts  an  end  to  the  suffering. 

It  is  needless  to  speak  of  treatment.  This  disease  ought 
to  be  stamped  out  at  once,  as  its  insidious  nature  enables  it 
to  spread  to  the  great  destruction  of  stock. 


specific  Contagious  Diseases.  139 


TUBERCULOSIS.       CONSUMPTION.       PINING. 

This  is  a  specific  bacteridian  affection,  due  to  a  bacillus,  and 
characterized  by  a  specilic  deposit  of  cells,  large  and  small, 
in  a  special  network,  but  without  blood-vessels.  It  is  situ- 
ated by  preference  in  the  groups  of  lymphatic  glands,  or  in 
the  microscopic  gland-like  tissue  of  the  different  oi'gans,  and 
may  be  seen  in  all  stages,  from  the  simple  redness  and  con- 
gestion in  which  the  deposit  is  only  commencing,  through 
the  solid  grayish  tubercle  to  the  soft  yellowish,  cheese-like 
mass  resulting  from  the  softening  of  the  latter.  There  are 
also  the  open  cavities  (vomicce)  resulting  from  their  rupture 
and  discharge  of  the  tuberculous  matter,  and  chalky  masses 
from  the  deposit  of  earthy  salts  within  them.  They  may 
be  no  larger  individually  than  a  millet-seed  (miliary  tuber- 
culosis), or  in  the  chest  of  cattle  one  may  measure  a  foot 
long  and  five  or  six  inches  in  thickness.  They  are  most 
common  in  cattle,  especially  heavy  milkers,  with  long  legs, 
narrow  chest,  attenuated  neck  and  ears,  and  horns  set  near 
together.  Fowls  and  swine  with  a  corresponding  conforma- 
tion are  next  in  order  of  liability,  while  horses,  dogs,  and 
sheep  are  comparatively  exempt.  Oft-repeated  experiment 
has  shown  that  tubercle  is  communicable  to  healthy  animals 
by  inoculation,  or  by  eating  the  raw,  diseased  product,  and 
that  it  is  superinduced  in  any  predisposed  individual  by  set- 
ting up  a  local  inflammation.  It  has  also  been  transmitted 
by  the  warm,  fresh  milk,  but  probably  only  when  the  dis- 
ease has  invaded  the  mammary  glands ;  in  many  experi- 
ments, including  those  conducted  by  the  author,  the  milk 
has  proved  harmless.  Close,  badly-aired  buildings  (as  town 
cow-sheds)  are  among  the  most  prolific  causes  of  the  disease, 
as  are  also  changes  to  a  colder  climate,  to  a  cold,  exposed 
locality,  or  from  a  dry  to  a  low,  damp,  undrained  region. 
Finally,  any  cause  which  tends  to  wear  out  the  general 
health  tends  to  tuberculosis  in  a  predisposed  subject. 


140  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Tubercles  may  be  developed  in  any  pai-t  of  the  body,  as 
the  lungs,  their  serous  covering,  the  membrane  supporting 
the  bowels,  the  coats  of  the  intestines,  the  throat,  the  spleen, 
the  liver,  the  pancreas,  the  ovaries,  the  kidneys,  the  bones, 
especially  the  ends  of  long  bones,  and  in  rare  cases,  the 
muscles  and  connective  tissue.  ^ 

Symptoms  vary  according  to  the  seat  of  the  deposit,  yet 
there  is  a  constitutional  condition  common  to  all,  and  the 
lungs  are  almost  alwaj's  involved  in  the  later  stages,  giving 
rise  to  a  great  similarity  of  symptoms.  The  disease  may  be 
acute  but  is  usually  chronic.  The  onset  is  insidious  and 
easily  overlooked,  tubercles  being  often  found  in  animals 
killed  in  prime  condition,  and  I  have  seen  them  in  parturi- 
tion fever^  which  is  always  attributed  to  plethora.  There  is 
some  dulness,  loss  of  vivacity,  tenderness  of  the  withers, 
back,  and  loins,  and  of  the  walls  of  the  chest,  occasional  dry- 
ness of  the  nose,  heat  of  the  horns  and  ears,  want  of  pliancy 
in  the  skin,  slightly  increased  temperature  (102°),  weak, 
accelerated  pulse,  mawkish  breath,  stiffness  of  the  limbs, 
vrandering  perhaps  from  one  to  another,  slight,  infrequent, 
dry  cough,  and  blue,  watery  milk,  often  abundant  but  with 
cheesy  matter,  fat,  and  sugar  decreased  and  soda  and  potassa 
in  excess.  The  lymphatic  glands  about  the  throat  are  often 
manifestly  enlarged.  Swellings  of  the  joints  may  appear, 
or  a  murmur  harsher  than  natural  may  be  heard  over  the 
lower  end  of  the  windpipe  or  in  the  chest.  With  deposits 
in  the  abdomen  and  especially  in  or  near  the  ovaries  of 
cows  the  desire  for  the  male  is  often  constant  {bullers),  though 
conception  and  the  completion  of  gestation  are  usually  im- 
possible. Working  oxen  are  easily  overdone  and  become 
visibly  emaciated  from  day  to  day.  As  the  disease  advances 
the  eyes  sink  in  their  sockets  and  lose  all  animation,  the 
skin  is  hidebound,  harsh,  dry,  and  scurfy,  the  hair  dull,  dry 
and  erect,  the  membranes  of  the  eyes,  nose,  and  mouth  of  a 
pale,  yellow,  bloodless  aspect,  though  often  streaked  with 


Specific  Co7itagious  Diseases.  141 

pink  vessels,  a  whitish  discharge  often  takes  place  from  the 
nose,  and  with  it  an  increased  repiilsiveness  and  often  dis- 
tinct foetor  of  the  breath  ;  if  the  bowels  are  involved  scour- 
ing is  common,  and  if  the  bones,  swelling  and  lameness- in- 
crease. Exhaustion  with  profuse  perspiration  and  labored 
breathing  occur  on  the  slightest  exertion,  the  appetite  fails, 
tympany  follows  each  meal,  and  the  milk  is  at  once  poorer 
and  lessened  in  quantity.  The  cough  increases,  becomes 
rattling,  the  discharge  profuse,  fetid,  mixed  with  cheesy- 
like  or  chalky  particles,  crepitating,  wheezing,  gurgling 
and  other  abnormal  noises  are  heard  in  the  chest,  and 
percussion  shows  dulness  in  particular  parts  with  wincing. 
All  of  the  symptoms  become  steadily  aggravated,  and  the 
animal  usually  perishes  from  the  difficulty  of  respiration 
or  the  profuse  fetid  diarrhoea.  In  cases  affecting  the 
bones,  the  patient  may  be  unable  to  stand,  and  the  bony 
prominences  may  make  their  wa}^  throngh  the  skin  or 
even  crumble  nnder  the  pressure  thrown  upon  them.  If 
the  tubercle  is  deposited  in  liver,  pancreas,  or  kidneys,  there 
are  symptoms  of  disease  of  these  respective  organs. 

Eecoveries  sometimes  ensue  in  connection  with  liealino-  of 
vomicae  or  calcification  of  the  tubercles  in  strong  subjects, 
but  more  frequently  the  disease  progresses  to  a  fatal  issue. 

Treatment.  This  is  unsatisfactory  as  being  rarely  suc- 
cessful, and  even  then  in  preserving  an  animal  which  is  dan- 
gerous as  a  breeder  for  producing  a  progeny  predisposed  to 
this  disease,  and  for  slaughter  and  dairy  purposes  as  possi- 
bly conveying  the  malady  to  man. 

The  most  promising  course  is  to  secure  dry,  pure  air, 
sunshine,  a  genial  temperature,  rich  and  easily  digestible 
food,  containing  abundance  of  fat  (linseed,  corn,  beans, 
peas,  potatoes),  a  course  of  tonics  (linseed  or  cod-liver  oil 
in  small  doses,  sulphate  of  iron,  hypophosphite  of  iron, 
quinia,  gentian,  etc.),  and  antiseptics  (fumes  of  burning 
Bulphur,  bisulphite  of  soda,  sulpho-carbolate  of  iron,  etc.). 


142  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Prevention.  This  would  include  drainage,  shelter  of  pas- 
tures by  trees,  avoidance  of  changes  to  cold  or  damp  locali- 
ties, a  warm,  sunny  location  for  farm  buildings,  suitable 
feeding  and  watering,  the  prevention  and  cure  of  all  debili- 
tating, and  especially  chronic  diseases,  protection  against 
overwork,  or  excessive  secretion  of  milk  on  a  stimulating  but 
insufficiently  nutritious  diet,  securing  young,  undeveloped 
animals  against  breeding  and  milking  at  the  same  time,  re- 
jection of  tuberculous  subjects  from  breeding,  the  prompt 
removal  of  all  such  animals  from  pastures  or  buildings  used 
for  the  healthy,  and  the  thorough  disinfection  of  all  places 
where  they  have  been  kept. 

The  flesh  and  milk  of  tuberculous  animals  are  always  to 
be  viewed  with  suspicion,  but  this  poison,  like  others,  can 
be  destroyed  by  the  most  thorough  cooking. 

QUEBKA    BUNDA.       BERLBKRI. 

This  affection  of  horses  is  said  to  have  been  developed  in 
the  island  of  Marajo,  in  the  mouth  of  the  Amazon,  as  the 
result  of  the  slaughter  of  the  immense  herds  of  predatory 
wild  horses,  and  the  decomposition  of  the  carcasses  under 
the  tropical  sun.  It  has  extended  to  the  adjacent  mainland, 
and  might  easily  be  imported  in  the  bodies  of  cheap  Bra- 
zilian horses.  It  has  even  been  thought  to  be  identical 
with  the  Beriberi  of  man,  in  wdiich  case  its  introduction, 
and  domestication  in  our  Gulf  States  would  appear  to  be  a 
still  more  imminent  contingency.  The  main  symptoms  of 
tlie  malady  are  a  progressive  paralysis  of  the  hind  linabs, 
which  renders  the  animal  absolutely  and  permanently  worth- 
less. The  Portuguese  name,  given  above,  means  literally 
Irohen  'buttock.  Our  principal  danger  consists  in  the  pos- 
sibility of  the  germ  being  implanted  and  perpetuated  in 
the  rich  alluvial  soils  of  our  semiti-opical  Gulf  States,  and 
the  consequent  destruction  of  the  equine  races  there,  as  they 
now  are  cut  oft:  in  Brazil. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

LAKGER  PARASITES. 

Parasites — their  numbers.  Tapeworms.  Taenia  Coenurus.  Coenurus  Cer- 
elralis  and  their  effects,  Staggers,  Turnsick,  Gid,  Sturdy,  Water-brain  in 
calves  and  I^mbs.  Toenia  Echinococcus,  Echinococcus  Veterinorum  (Hom- 
inis),  Echinococcus  disease.  Toenia  SoHum.  Cysticercus  Cellulosa,  Para- 
sitic measles  in  swine.  Taenia  Mediocanellata,  Cysticercus  Mediocanellata, 
Parasitic  Measles  in  cattle.  Ta2nia  Expansa,  tapeworm  in  sheep  and  cattle. 
Lard  Worm,  Kidney  Worm  of  hogs.  Eustrongylus  Gigas,  Kidney  Worm. 
Trichina  Spiralis,  Trichinosis. 

PARASITES. 

The  domestic  animals  harbor  no  less  than  two  hundred 
species  of  parasites  which  will  be  found  treated  in  the  au- 
thor's larger  work,  but  the  Kmits  of  the  present  book  will 
restrict  us  to  a  few  of  the  more  injurious.  For  convenience 
of  reference  most  of  these  are  noticed  in  connection  with 
the  organs  (skin,  bowels,  liver,  air-passages,)  which  they 
infest,  and  here  we  will  only  name  such  as  having  a  more 
general  diffusion  through  the  body  cannot  well  be  referred 
to  any  one  organ. 

TAPE-WORMS. 

These  are  flat-bodied  worms  made  up  of  small  segments 
joined  end  to  end,  and  when  full  grown  varying  in  length 
from  one  inch  to  one  hundred  feet.  The  narrow  end  ter- 
minates in  a  small  globular  head  furnished  with  circular 
sucking  discs,  and  a  proboscis  usually  encircled  by  one  or 
more  rows  of  booklets.  From  the  other  end  the  ripe  seg- 
ments are  continually  detached  and  expelled  from  the 
body,  and  may  be  recognized  as  little,  white,  flattened, 


144  The  Farmer'' s  Veierinary  Adviser. 

oblong  objects  progi'essing  over  soil  and  vegetables  by  \\ 
worm-like  movement,  and  depositing  an  endless  number 
of  microscopic  eggs  with  which  they  are  literally  filled. 
Some  tape-worms  are  estimated  to  lay  as  many  as  25,000,- 
000  eggs.  Taken  with  the  food  or  water  into  the  body  of 
a  suitable  host  these  eggs  open  and  set  free  an  ovoid  six- 
hooked  embryo,  which  bores  its  way  through  the  tissues 
until  it  reaches  that  organ  or  tissue  which  is  the  natural 
habitat  of  its  species  in  the  young  or  larval  state  and  there 
encysts  itseK.  It  may  survive  indefinitely  or  even  die  in 
this  situation  or  if  its  host  is  eaten  by  a  carnivorous  ani- 
mal it  may  develop  in  its  bowels  into  a  mature  tape-worm 
and  reproduce  its  species  as  before.  Fortunately  nearly 
aU  the  eggs  perish  from  failing  to  be  taken  into  the  body 
of  a  suitable  animal  in  which  they  can  develop  into  the 
cystic  form,  or  this  peril  escaped,  because  the  first- animal 
host  is  not  devoured  by  the  right  sjDecies  of  animal  in 
which  the  young  cystic  worm  can  grow  into  its  mature 
tape-worm  form.  But  from  the  enormous  fecundity  of 
these  tape-worms  in  eggs  it  is  manifest  that  there  may  be 
scarcely  any  limit  to  their  increase  when  the  different  ani- 
mals which  form  their  hosts  in  the  cystic  and  mature  con- 
dition abound  together  in  the  same  locality. 

STAGGERS.       TURN-SICK.       GID.       STURDY.       WATER-BRAIN    IN 
LAMBS  AND   CALVES. 

The  Tcenia  Ccenurus  of  the  bowels  of  the  dog,  a  tape- 
worm of  one  to  three  feet  long,  has  its  cystic  form — Goenu- 
rus  Cerebrolis — in  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  of  sheep  and 
cattle,  giving  rise  to  nervous  disease,  varying  much  in 
character  according  to  the  exact  site  of  the  cyst. 

Symptoms,  Great  nervousness  and  fear  without  appar- 
ent cause,  or  dullness,  stupor  and  aberration  of  the 
senses,  and  disorderly  muscular  movements.  The  sheep 
is  found  apart  from  the  flock  with  red  eyes,  dilated  pupils, 
bhndness  and  unsteady  gait,  but  with  a  tendency  to  move 
restlessly  in  one  direction.     Left  to  itself,  it  neglects  tc 


Larger  Parasites.  145 


eat  or  drink  and  wastes  dail}'.  But,  if  well-fed  tind  ex- 
citement avoided,  it  may  even  gain  flesh.  If  the  cyst  is 
situated  on  one  side  of  the  brain,  the  lamb  turns  to  that 
side,  moving  in  a  circle  and  making  a  beaten  track.  The 
limbs  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  body  act  in  a  disorderl} 
manner,  being  partially  paralyzed.  If  there  is  one  on 
each  side  of  the  brain,  the  sheep  will  tura  to  one  side  or 
the  other,  according  to  the  relative  activity  of  the  para- 
sites at  any  given  moment.  When  the  cyst  is  directly  in 
the  median  line,  the  sheep  elevates  its  nose  and  advances 
in  a  straight  line  until  stopped  by  some  obstruction. 
When  located  in  ^iie  back  part  of  the  brain,  (cerebellum), 

Fig.  1. 


Fig.  I — Coenurus  Cerebralis.      Showing  the  sac  with  its  many  heads  (re- 
duced).    Also  a  single  head  magnified. 

the  host  lifts  its  limbs  in  a  jerking,  uncertain  manner,  sets 
them  down  in  a  hesitating  way,  stumbles  perpetually,  falls 
and  struggles  for  some  time  ineffectually  in  its  efforts  to 
rise.  If  situated  in  the  spinal  cord,  difficult  breathing  and 
paralysis  are  marked  symptoms.  The  disorders  are  often 
extreme  at  first,  and  afterwards  undergo  a  temporaiy  im- 
provement, the  remissions  and  aggravations  being  proba- 
bly due  to  the  varying  activity  of  the  parasite  at  different 
periods.  Simple  tumors,  maintaining  a  steadily  increasing 
pressure  rarely  give  rise  to  such  intermittent  symptoms. 
The  coenurus  mostly  affects  sheep  under  two  years  old 
10 


14G  The  Farmer'* s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  those  that  are  out  of  condition.  Yet  the  finest  ani- 
mals,  kept  for  show,  will  sometimes  suffer.  So  it  is  in 
cattle,  the  young,  weak  and  ill-thriven  are  the  most  ex- 
p@sed,  but  all  may  suffer.  For  the  same  reason,  poor, 
damp  and  exposed  localities  suffer  more  than  the  rich, 
dry  and  sheltered. 

Prevention.  Destroy  the  dogs,  or,  if  they  must  be  kept, 
deny  them  sheep's  heads  until  cooked.  Examine  them  at 
frequent  intervals  and  expel  all  tape-worms  by  vermifuges, 
(oil  of  turpentine,  male-fern,  kousso,  areca  nut,  etc.) 
Keep  the  young  sheep  at  all  times  in  good,  thriving  con- 
dition.    Drain  all  wet  pastures,  shelter  exposed  ones. 

Treatment.  In  rare  cases,  spontaneous  recovery  may 
follow  rupture  of  the  cyst  in  connection  with  a  blow  on 
the  head  or  a  fall.  Hogg  passed  a  long  knitting  wire 
through  the  nose  into  the  brain,  and  Youatt  advises  a 
small  trocar  for  the  same  purpose.  But  the  cyst  is  more 
easily  punctured  and  extracted  through  the  upper  part  of 
the  skull.  In  advanced  cases,  the  internal  pressure  of 
the  cyst  has  sometimes  caused  absorption  of  the  bones 
and  the  formation  of  a  soft  spot  on  the  upper  part  of  the 
skull.  This  should  be  laid  open  with  a  sharp  lancet  or 
penknife,  just  enough  to  introduce  a  trocar  and  cannula 
one-eighth  inch  in  diameter,  through  which  the  Hquid 
may  escape  slowiy.  The  animal  may  be  turned  on 
its  back  to  complete  the  evacuation,  but  held  firmly  so 
that  no  struggling  can  take  place.  As  the  cyst  is  emptied, 
a  membrane  will  be  found  projecting  through  it,  and 
should  be  slowly  drawn  out.  This  is  the  parasitic  cyst, 
and  from  its  inner  surface  will  be  found  projecting  one 
hundred  to  two  hundred  little  elevations  like  pin-heads, 
each  representing  the  head  of  a  tape-worm  and  being  ca- 
pable of  development  into  the  mature  parasite  if  swal- 
lowed by  a  dog.  The  wound  should  be  covered  with  a 
pitch  plaster  and  a  leather  hood,  and  the  patient  placed 
in  a  dark,  quiet,  secluded  box,  on  soft,  laxative  diet  for  a 
week. 


Larcjer  Parasites. 


147 


If  the  bones  are  not  softened  the  point  to  be  perforated 
must  be  ascertained  from  the  symptoms.  If  the  sheep 
turns  to  one  side,  open  a  little  in  front  of  the  correspond- 
ing ear  and  about  haK  an  inch  from  the  median  line  of 
the  skull.  If  the  head  is  elevated  and  the  walk  straight 
forward  without  much  terror  or  disorderly  movement,  open 
at  the  same  level  but  in  the  median  line.  If  there  is  awk- 
ward, hesitating  movement,  much  terror,  fluny  and 
stumbling,  open  in  the  median  line  further  back.  A  flap 
of  skin  is  to  be  dissected  up  from  the  bone,  large  enough 
to  admit  a  trephine  one-eighth  inch  in  diameter  (in  an 
emergency  a  gimlet  will  do)  with  which  the  bone  is  to  be 
perforated.  After  this  the  cannula  and  trochar  is  used  as 
above  advised. 

If  more  than  one  cyst  should  be  present  the  operation 
may  require  repetition,  and  witli  care  recoveries  often  en- 
sue. A  bag  of  ice  on  the  head  may  remove  symptoms 
but  does  not  kill  the  worm. 


ECHINOCOCCUS    DISEASE. 

The  Tcenia  Echinococous^  a  tapeworm  of  the  dog,  not  ex- 
Fig.  2. 


Fig.  2 — Taenia  Echinococcus  magnified  (Cobbold' 

Fig.  3. 


Fig.  3 — Portion  of  cyst  and  heads  of  Echinococcus. 

oeeding  one  inch  in  length,  hves  in  its  cystic  form  as 


14S  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

EchiivocoGcus  (E.  Hominis,  E.  VeterinorumJ,  in  the  most 
varied  internal  organs  of  men  and  animals.  As  the  cystic 
form  of  this  parasite  has  the  power  of  increasing  its  num- 
bers almost  indefinitely,  and  growing  into  enormous  mul- 
tilocular  cysts,  it  becomes  extremely  injurious  and  even 
deadly  to  its  bnite,  and,  above  all,  to  its  human  victims. 
One-sixth  of  the  human  mortality  in  Iceland  has  been  at- 
tributed to  this  parasite,  and  a  fatal  case  in  a  child  has  re- 
cently come  under  my  notice  in  Tompkins  Co.,  N.  Y.  Many 
of  the  cysts  of  water  found  in  the  Hver  and  other  internal 
organs  of  the  domestic  animals  are  specimens  of  ecMno- 
cocxius,  and  that  they  are  not  more  frequently  fatal  may  be 
attributed  largely  to  the  shortness  of  the  Hves  of  animals 
raised  for  slaughter.  They  may  inhabit  almost  any  organ 
(liver,  lungs,  spleen,  abdominal  walls,  kidneys,  brain,  eye, 
etc.,)  and  the  symptoms  will  vary  accordingly. 

Treatment.  Spontaneous  recovery  may  take  place  from 
death  or  rupture  of  the  sac.  Otherwise  the  true  nature 
of  these  fluctaating  tumors  can  rarely  be  recognized,  but 
if  they  should,  they  may  be  punctured  with  a  very  fine 
needle-shaped  nozzle,  the  liquid  evacuated  with  a  S3rringe, 
and  compound  tincture  of  iodine  injected  into  the  sac. 

Freveniion.  Destroy  all  superfluous  dogs.  Keep  others 
from  slaughter-houses  and  deny  raw  flesh  and  especially 
off'al.  Examine  frequently  and  if  segments  of  tape-worm 
are  passed,  clear  them  away  with  vermifuges  (see  gid). 
Burn  the  dung  of  all  dogs  suffering  from  tape-worms,  the 
contents  of  evacuated  hydatids  and  all  offal  containing 
cysts. 

MEASLES  IN  SWINE. 
Fig.  4 


Fig.  4 — Head  of  Tania  Solium,  magnified.     Cobbold. 

The  bladder- worm  of  pork,  (Cystioercus  CdMosa,  Fig. 

«-  J,    w''"°P^''TV  OF 


Larger  Parasites.  149 

5),  is  the  immature  form  of  a  tape-worm  of  man,  (Tcenia 
solium),  and  is  only  caused  by  pigs  having  access  to  hu- 

Fig.  5. 


Fig.  5 — Cyslicercus  Cellulosa,  magnifiecl. 

man  excrement,  or  to  places  near  privies,  etc.,  from  which 
the  segments  of  the  human  tape-worm  may  travel.  The 
cysts,  respectively  about  the  size  of  a  grain  of  barley,  are 
found  in  the  muscles,  in  the  loose  connective  tissue  be- 
tween them  and  under  the  skin,  in  the  serous  membranes, 
in  the  eye,  under  the  tongue,  in  the  brain,  etc.,  of  swine. 
They  are  also  found  in  this  undeveloped  form  in  the  mus- 
cles, braiQ,  etc.,  of  man,  causing  disease  and  death.  To 
man  the  parasite  is  usually  conveyed  by  eating  under- 
done pork,  or  in  the  cystic  form  he  receives  it  as  the 
egg  in  his  food  (salads,  etc.,)  and  water. 

Symptoms.  In  pigs  the  cysts  can  usually  be  seen  under 
the  tongue  or  in  the  eye.  In  man  there  are  the  general 
symptoms  of  intestinal  worms  and  the  passage  of  the  ripe 
segments.  Other  symptoms  may  attend  the  presence  of 
the  cysts  according  to  the  organ  which  they  invade.  Thus 
when  passing  into  the  muscles  there  are  pains  and  stiffness 
resembling  rheumatism,  when  into  the  brain,  coma,  stupor, 
imbecihty,  delirium,  but  when  they  have  once  become  en- 
cysted they  may  continue  thus  indefinitely  without  further 
injury. 

Treatment.  The  cysts  scattered  tlirough  the  body  are 
beyond  the  reach  of  medicine. 

Prevention.  Human  beings  harboring  tape-worms  should 
be  compelled  to  take  measures  to  expel  them.  Their  stools 
should  be  burned  or  treated  with  strong  mineral  acids. 
Swine  should  be  kept  far  apart  from  all  deposits  of  human 
excrement ;  no  such  manure  should  be  used  as  a  top-dress- 


150  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ing  on  pastures  open  to  swine,  or  on  land  (market  gardens, 
orchards,  etc.,)  devoted  to  the  raising  of  vegetables  to  be 
eaten  raw.  Avoid  raw  meat,  especially  pork,  even  if 
salted  and  smoked,  and  underdone  meat  and  sausages, 
also  well-water  from  gravelly  soils  in  the  vicinity  of  habi- 
tations. 

MEASLES  IN  CATTLE. 

This  consists  in  the  presence  in  the  muscles  of  cattle, 
especially  young  ones,  of  a  cystic  parasite  two  to  four  lines 
in  length,  ( Cysticerciis  3Iediocandlata)  which  as  a  mature 
tape-worm  (Tcenia  Mediocandlata)  inhabits   the  human 

Fig.  6. 


Fig.  6 — Head  of  Taenia  Mediocandlata,  magniried. 

bowels.  When  the  eggs  were  given  experimentally  to  calves 
they  caused  stiffness,  wasting  and  death  in  three  weeks. 
Or  improvement  began  at  the  end  of  a  fortnight  and  ter- 
minated in  apparent  recovery,  the  live  cysts  of  course  re- 
maining in  the  muscles  and  ready  to  develop  into  their 
adult  form  when  eaten  by  man. 

Under  prevention  and  treatment  might  be  repeated  what 
is  stated  under  measles  of  smne,  merely  substituting  the 
word  cattle  for  pigs.  The  current  practice  of  eating  raw 
beef  ham  is  especially  reprehensible. 

TAPE-WORM  OF  SHEEP  AND  CATTLE. 

Taenia  Expansa  is  the  name  of  this  worm,  which  causes 
great  loss  in  some  localities  in  America,  as  well  as  in  Aus- 
traha,  Germany,  etc.  Its  cystic  form  is  unknown,  there- 
fore we  can  only  check  its  increase  by  watching  what 


Larger  Parasites. 


151 


sheep  pass  the  ripe,  detached  segments,  shutting  them  up, 
expeUing  the  worm  by  vermifuges  (oil  of  tui-pentine  in 
mUk,  male-fern,  etc;,)  and  burning  both  it  and  the  sheep's 
droppings. 

LARD-WOEM  OF  THE  HOG. 

This  worm  ( Stejphanurus  Dentatiis)  is  from  one  to  one  and 
Fig.  7. 


Fig.  7 — Stephanurus  Dentatus;  a,  male;  d,  female;  r, head,  magnified.    Ver 

rill. 

three-fourths  inches  long  by  one-thu'teenth  inch  broad, 
and  is  found  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  body  of  swine.     It 

Fig.  8. 


Fig.  8 — Eustrongylus  Gigas.     Cuvier. 

is  frequent  in  the  liver,  kidney  and  the  fat  about  the  spare- 


152  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


rib,  but  has  been  found  in  tlie  air-passages,  the  heart,  tho 
veins,  the  mesentery  and  elsewhere.  In  many  cases  no 
impairment  of  the  health  is  observed.  But  irritation  of 
important  organs  like  the  kidney  or  liver  may  lead  to  weak- 
ness of  the  hind  parts,  diarrhoea,  or  even  blood-poisoning 
and  sudden  death.  It  seems  not  improbable  that  the  at- 
tacks of  this  worm  in  the  liver  may  produce  a  disorder 
which  is  confounded  with  Hog  Cholera.  Its  presence  in 
the  kidney  may  sometimes  be  recognized  by  the  existence 
of  microscopic  eggs  in  the  urine.  The  same  results  from 
another  worm — Enstrongylus  Gigas.  But  without  the  ob- 
servation of  such  eggs  weakness  of  the  hind  parts  cannot 
be  ascribed  to  the  kidney-ioorm. 

Treatment  is  unsatisfactory.  Small  doses  of  salt  and  oil 
of  turpentine  may  be  given  with  no  great  hope  of  success. 
The  favorite  dose  of  arsenic  only  escapes  killing  the  hog 
because  he  rejects  it  all  by  vomiting.  If  beneficial  at  all 
it  must  be  in  small  doses,  one-eighth  to  one-sixth  grain,  so 
that  it  may  be  taken  up  into  the  system. 

Prevention  is  to  be  sought  by  keeping  the  healthy  and 
diseased  apart,  and  especially  by  raising  young  pigs  apart 
from  the  groimd  occupied  by  the  old. 

TRICHINA  SPIEAUS. 

This  worm,  which  is  capable  of  being  reared  in  aU  the 
domestic  animals,  is  especially  common  in  man,  ^-he  hog 

Fig.  9. 


Fig.  9 — Adult  Intestinal  Trichina  Spiralis,  magnified. 

and  the  rat.      Trichinae  are  almost  microscopic,  vary- 


Larger  Parasites.  153 


ing  from  one-eig-hteenth  to  one-sixth  inch  in  length,  yet 
they  are  among  the  most  deadly  Avorms  known.  The  ma- 
ture and  fertile  worm  lives  in  the  intestines  of  animals,  the 
immature  in  minute  cysts  in  the  muscle.    The  latter  can  only 

Fig.  10. 


Fig.  10 — Muscle  Trichina  encysted,  magnified. 

reach  maturity  and  reproduce  their  kind  when  the  animal 
which  they  infest  is  devoured  by  another  and  they  are  set 
free  by  the  digestion  of  their  cysts.  When  thus  introduced 
into  the  bowels  they  grow  and  propagate  their  kind,  giv- 
ing rise  to  much  irritation  for  the  first  fortnight,  diarrhoea^ 
enteritis  ov  peritonitis.  The  symptoms  caused  by  their  bor- 
ing through  the  bowels  and  into  the  muscles  last  from  the 
eighth  to  the  fiftieth  day.  There  are  violent  muscular 
pains  Hke  rheumatism  but  not  affecting  the  joints,  a  stiff, 
semiflexed  condition  of  the  limbs  and  sometimes  swellings 
on  the  skin.  In  man  the  affection  is  often  mistaken  for 
rheumatism  or  typhoid  fever,  in  the  lower  animals  the 
symptoms  are  usually  less  marked  but  are  the  same  in  kind. 
There  are  loss  of  appetite,  indisposition  to  move,  pain 
when  handled  and  stiffness  behind.  If  the  patient  sur- 
vives six  weeks  recovery  may  be  expected  because  the 
worms  no  longer  irritate  after  becoming  encysted  in  the 
muscle. 

Treatment,  In  the  first  six  weeks,  but  especially  for  the 
first  fortnight,  use  laxatives  and  vermifuges.  Glycerine, 
benzine,  Diippel's  animal  oil,  chloroform,  alcohol  and  pic- 
ric acid  are  fatal  to  them  in  about  the  order  named. 

Prevention,     Never  eat  underdone  meat.     Trichina  sur- 


154  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

vive  140^  F.  Hams  tlioronghly  smoked  or  salted  for  three 
months  are  safe.  Slightly  smoked  hams  and  those  steeped 
in  creosote  or  carbolic  acid  are  most  dangerous.  Pigs  should 
not  be  kept  near  slaughter-honses,  and  especially  should  the 
waste  of  these  places  be  forbidden  them.  Such  hog-pens, 
indeed  all  piggeries,  should  be  kept  scrupulously  clean  and 
clear  of  i-ats  and  mice.  The  carcasses  of  swine  fed  near 
slaughter-houses  or  where  rats  abound  should  be  subjected 
to  a  thorough  microscopic  examination  before  passing  into 
consumption.  Whenever  a  case  of  trichinosis  occurs  in  a 
human  subject  the  pork  should  be  traced  to  its  source  if 
possible,  and  the  pigs  reared  in  the  same  place  killed  and 
subjected  to  prolonged  boiling.  The  rats  and  mice  should 
be  eradicated  and  the  hog-pens  and  manure  burned. 


CHAPTER  V. 
DIETETIC  AND  CONSTITUTIONAL  DISEASES 

Ergotism.     Goitre.      Rheumatism.     Acute  Anasarca.      Purjjura  Htcmor- 
rhagica.     Anoemia. 

ERGOTISM. 

From  time  immemorial  animals  and  men  have  suffered 
from  eating  the  cereal  gi-ains  which  have  been  attacked 
with  ergot.  This  was  especially  the  case  when  agriculture 
was  in  its  infancy,  for  then  a  damp,  cloudy  season  would 
cause  this  affection  to  spread  after  the  manner  of  a  plague. 
The  same  holds  still  to  a  less  extent,  and  in  the  New 
World  as  well  as  the  Old.  Not  only  the  ergot  but  even  the 
smut  of  maize  will  bring  about  untoward  effects.  These 
results  may  be  divided  into  three  categories  according  as 
the  poison  acts  on  the  brain  producing  convulsions,  paraly- 
sis or  profound  lethargy  ;  on  the  ivomh  tending  to  abortion  ; 
or  on  the  extremities  causing  dry  gangrene. 

Symptoms  of  the  Nervous  Form.  Unsteady  gait,  a  great 
tendency  to  lie  down  and  to  remain  in  a  torpid  state  little 
conscious  of  what  is  passing  around,  loss  of  lustre  of  hair 
or  feathers,  coldness  of  skin,  dilatation  of  the  pupils  of  the 
eyes,  and  dullness  of  the  special  senses  mark  the  early 
stages.  This  may  go  on  to  paralysis  or  deep  lethargy 
without  any  active  nervous  excitement.  Or  paroxysms 
supervene,  during  which  the  special  senses  become  more 
acute,  the  animal  very  excitable,  and  twitching  of  the  mus- 
cles or  spasms  like  those  of  lockjaw  or  epilepsy  convulse 
the  patient.  Then  there  is  a  relapse  into  the  former  stupor 
and  drowsiness,  with  palsy  of  the  hind  limbs  or  knuckling 


156  The  Farmer's  Yeterinanj  Adviser. 

forward  at  the  fetlocks.  Death  may  ensue  in  a  few  hours 
or  days,  or  the  affection  may  become  chronic,  the  patient 
remaining  with  variable  appetite,  but  getting  no  good  of 
his  food,  with  spasms  of  the  pharynx,  vomiting  or  diar- 
rhoea.    He  usually  passes  off  in  a  convulsion. 

Syraptonis  of  the  Abortion  Form  do  not  differ  from  those 
of  abortion  'from  other  causes.     (See  Abortion). 

Sijmptonvi  of  the  Gangrenous  Form.  Nervous  symptoms 
may  or  may  not  usher  in  the  disease.  Then  follow  swell- 
ing, heat  and  tenderness  of  the  extremities,  usually  the 
hind  feet  but  sometimes  the  fore,  or  the  tail,  ears  or  roots 
of  the  horns.  Lameness  usually  first  draws  attention  to 
this  condition.  Soon  the  extremity  becomes  cold,  insen- 
sible, of  a  deep  brownish-red  appearance  and  di-y,  hard  or 
almost  horny.  The  swelling,  heat  and  tenderness  persist 
higher  up,  but  the  lower  part  is  dead  including  even  the 
bone  up  to  a  given  point.  At  this  level  a  red,  circular 
crack  appears  in  the  skin  separating  the  dead  from  the 
living,  and  if  the  patient  should  survive  long  enough  the 
whole  gangrenous  paii  drops  off. 

It  usually  occurs  in  winter  from  the  dry  hay  fodder  but 
is  distinguished  from  fi'ost-bite  by  imphcatuig  the  deep  as 
well  as  the  superficial  parts  and  attacking  the  feet  in  pref- 
erence to  the  more  exposed  tail  and  ears. 

Treatment  is  only  successful  in  the  mildest  cases,  and 
the  earliest  stages.  Change  to  wholesome  diet,  including 
plenty  of  roots  or  potatoes.  Clear  offensive  matter  from 
the  bowels  by  laxatives,  and  give  tonics  (cinchona,  gen- 
tian,) stimulants  (ammonia,  valerian,  angelica,  musk,)  and 
antispasmodics  (opium,  chloral-hydrate,  chlorofoim,  or 
nitrite  of  amyle).  Use  soft,  warm  poultices  containing 
camphor. 

Prevention.  Ergoted  hay,  known  by  the  black,  spur-like 
growths  out  of  the  husks,  should  be  withheld,  or  fed  only 
in  limited  quantity  in  conjunction  with  roots  and  potatoes. 
Be  careful  in  selecting  seed  clear  of  ergot.  Seed  may  be 
protected  to  a  large  extent  by  sprinlilinp  mth.  a  strong 


Dietetic  and  Co'iistltational  Diseases.         157 

solution  of  blue-stone  or  bisulphite  of  soda  before  sowing, 
and  drying  with  quicklime.  Contaminated  soil  should  be 
used  for  other  crops.  Drainage,  and  open  sunshine  are 
conducive  to  healthy  growth.  Hay  from  affected  pastures 
must  be  cut  early,  before  it  has  run  to  seed. 

GOITRE. 

This  is  a  diseased  enlargement  of  the  thyroid  body,  sit- 
uated beneath  the  throat,  and  is  common  in  animals  and 
in  man  wherever  the  water  is  charged  with  the  products 
of  magnesian-limestone.  Hence,  its  frequency  on  the 
limestone  formations  of  New  York  and  Pennsylvania. 
"Weakness,  from  any  disease,  poor  feeding,  abuse,  over- 
work, etc.,  aggravates  the  affection.  In  solipeds  there 
are  two  distinct  swellings,  one  on  each  side,  but  in  other 
animals  and,  above  all,  in  swine,  the  swelling  is  single  and 
in  the  median  line.  At  first  it  is  soft  and  even  doughy, 
but  afterwards  it  is  firm,  tense  and  resistant,  and  if  cut  into 
may  even  be  gritty.  In  lambs  it  may  form  a  gi'eat  en- 
gorgement from  the  jaw  to  the  breast-bone,  and  the  whole 
produce  of  the  year  may  be  still-born  or  die  soon  after 
birth. 

Treatment.  Give  rain-water  and  use  iodine  freely, 
both  internally,  on  an  empty  stomach,  and  over  the  swell- 
ing. Persist  in  this  for  months.  Weak  solutions  of  iodine 
may  be  thrown  into  the  tumor  by  a  hypodermic  syringe, 
or  the  nutrient  blood-vessels  may  be  tied. 

The  destruction  of  lambs  by  goitre  may  be  obviated  by 
gi\'ing  the  ewes  rain-water,  good  feeding  and  plenty  of  ex- 
eicise  in  the  open  air  during  the  winter. 

RHEUMATISM. 

This  is  a  pecuhar  form  of  inflammation  attacking  the 
fibrous  structures  of  the  body  (muscles,  tendons,  joints, 
bursas,  etc.,)  and  dependent  on  a  constitutional  predispo- 
sition transmitted  from  parent  to  offspring.  It  often 
fthifts  from  place  to  place,  rarely  results  in  suppuration, 


158  The  Farmer'' s  Vetermary  Adviser. 

and  shows  a  great  tendency  to  implicate  fatally  the  valves 
and  other  fibrous  structures  of  the  heart.  Besides  the 
constitutional  predisposition,  it  owes  its  development  to 
accessory  causes,  such  as  cold  and  wet,  cold  draughts,  and 
disorders,  especially  those  of  the  digestive  or  respiratory 
organs  which  load  the  blood  with  abnormal  and  probably 
acid  elements. 

Symptoms.  Acute  Form.  Dullness,  languor  or  indispo- 
sition to  move  is  followed  by  exti'eme  lameness  in  one  or 
more  limbs,  and  heat,  swelling  and  tenderness  of  a  joint, 
tendon  or  group  of  muscles.  If  this  tenderness  moves 
from  joint  to  joint  or  muscle  to  muscle  it  is  very  charac- 
teristic. The  swelling  is  at  first  soft  and  afterward  hard 
and  resistant ;  it  may  fluctuate  from  excess  of  s}Tiovia  in  a 
joint,  but  rarely  from  the  formation  of  matter.  With  the 
onset  of  the  inflammation  comes  active  fever,  with  full, 
hard  pulse,  increased  temperature,  hot,  clammy  mouth, 
dry  muzzle,  hurried  breathing,  costiveness,  and  scanty, 
high-colored  urine,  sometimes  with  a  neutral  or  even  acid 
reaction.  Cattle  often  remain  down  and  refuse  to  rise. 
If  the  disease  extends  to  the  heart,  the  pulse  has  a  shai*p, 
often  intermittent  or  irregular  beat,  and  one  or  other  of 
the  heart  sounds  may  be  accompanied  by  a  hissing  or 
sighing  murmur.     (See  diseases  of  the  heart.) 

Chronic  Form.  This  resembles  the  acute,  excepting  that 
it  is  less  severe,  usually  unattended  by  fever,  and  may 
even  appear  only  on  exposure,  and  disappear  in  the  warm 
sunshine.  It  is  hable  to  induce  fibrous  and  even  bony  en- 
largements, and  in  cattle  suppuration,  especially  about  tlie 
joints,  and  in  such  cases  the  disease  is  more  stable  and 
less  inclined  to  shift  from  place  to  place. 

Treatment.  Give  a  laxative  (horse,  aloes  ;  ox  or  sheep, 
Epsom  salts ;  pig  or  dog,  castor  oil,)  mth  anod^Ties 
(opium)  if  pain  is  extreme,  and  follow  up  with  alkalies 
(bicarbonate  of  potassa  or  soda ;  acetate  of  potassa  or 
ammonia  ;  cream  of  tartar,)  and  diuretics  (colchicum,  mu- 
riate of  ammonia,  nitrate  of  potassa).     Sudorific s  (hot 


Dietetic  and  Constitutional  Diseases.  159 

room;  warm  clothing;  rugs  wrung  out  of  boiling  water 
closely  applied  to  the  skin  and  covered  with  dry ;  bags  of 
dry  grain,  bran  or  sand ;  rubbing  with  hot  smoothing-irons 
over  a  thin  covering ;  hot  air  or  steam  baths ;  aconite ; 
acetate  of  ammonia ;  guarana,  etc.,)  are  in  the  highest  de- 
gree beneficial.  Some  agents,  like  propylamine  and  muri- 
ate of  iron,  have  been  very  serviceable  in  certain  hands. 
Local  treatment  consists  in  the  application  of  warmth, 
etc.,  as  above  indicated,  and  also  blisters  (strong  aqua 
ammonia  and  olive  oil)  which  may  be  appHed  several 
times  a  day  and  the  inflammation  followed  up  as  it  re- 
cedes from  structure  to  structure. 

ACUTE  ANASARCA.      PURPURA  HEMORRHAGICA. 

The  affection  to  be  described  here  is  altogether  different 
m  its  nature  fi'om  the  dropsies  which  result  from  obstruc- 
tion of  veins,  in  phlebitis,  or  because  of  pressure  by  a  dis- 
eased structure,  as  also  from  those  dependent  on  suppres- 
sion of  the  secretion  of  urine,  on  heart-disease  or  a  watery 
state  of  the  blood  with  deficiency  of  blood  globules.  It  is 
not  at  all  inflammatory  nor  of  the  nature  of  malignant  an- 
thrax as  is  generally  assumed.  It  is  exceedingly  common 
after  influenza  and  other  affections  of  the  respiratory  organs, 
in  iU-ventilated  stables  where  animals  are  compelled  to  use 
rebreathed  air,  and  in  very  open,  cold  barns  where  they 
are  liable  to  be  chilled  after  being  heated  at  work.  Sud- 
den excessive  lowering  of  temperature  or  exposure  to  cold 
rain  or  wind  storms,  especially  when  hot  and  perspiring, 
are  efficient  causes  by  reason  of  the  sudden  check  to  the 
secretions  of  the  skin.  The  disease  is  much  more  fre- 
quent under  the  extreme  vicissitudes  of  temperature  of  the 
Northern  States  than  in  the  more  equable  cHmate  of  ihe 
British  Isles. 

Symptoms.  The  disease  is  manifested  abruptly  by  ap- 
pearance of  tense,  painful,  rounded  or  diffuse  swellings  on 
the  nose,  lips,  face,  neck,  inner  sides  of  the  limbs,  belly  or 
indeed  anyw^here  over  the  body.     These  tend  to  enlarge, 


IGO  Tlic  Farmer  s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


to  run  together  and  to  gravitate  doAVTiwards  into  tlie  limbs 
and  tlic  lower  part^s  of  the  trunk,  where  thej  form  extend- 
ed, tolerably  smooth  sweUings,  pitting  on  pressure  and 
subsiding  abruptly  into  the  sound  skin  at  their  upper  mar- 
gins. The  membrane  lining  the  nose  usually  shows  dark 
blood  spots  and  patches,  ineffaceable  by  pressure,  even  at 
this  early  stage,  sometimes  indeed  before  any  swelling  of  the 
skin,  but  always  as  the  disease  advances.  Similar  spots  may 
be  seen  on  the  skins  of  white  animals.  The  urine  is  usu- 
ally dense,  thick,  ammoniacal  and  often  brownish-red. 
Shivering  often  marks  the  period  of  effusion  but  there  is 
at  first  little  change  of  pulse,  temj)erature,  breathing  or 
appetite.  As  the  swellings  increase,  the  animal  becomes 
unable  to  see,  to  eat,  or  even  to  move,  almost,  and  breath- 
ing may  be  carried  on  only  ^\dth  the  gi'eatest  difficulty, 
through  the  swollen  and  closed  nostrils.  Transverse 
cracks  and  yellowish  liquid  oozing,  appear  in  the  bends  of 
the  joints ;  little  blisters  with  yellowish  or  bloody  con- 
tents rise,  especially  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  behind  the 
pastern,  and,  bursting,  continue  to  discharge.  Yellowish 
serum  or  dark  blood  may  ooze  from  the  general  surface  of 
the  swelling ;  patches  of  skin  die,  drop  off  and  leave  un- 
healthy, weak  sores  with  a  serous  discharge ;  the  exuda- 
tions may  even  soften  the  muscles,  and  loosen  and  detach 
the  tendons  from  the  bones  leading  to  turning  up  of  the 
toe  or  other  distortions.  Sometimes  the  superficial  swell- 
ings suddenly  subside,  and  unless  a  critical  diarrhoea  or 
diuresis  occurs,  serous  infiltration  of  some  internal  organ 
like  the  lungs  or  bowels  is  apt  to  ensue,  cutting  off  the  pa- 
tient suddenly,  with  great  oppression  of  breathing  or  vio- 
lent and  persistent  cohcky  pains,  and,  at  times,  a  bloody 
foetid  diarrhoea. 

The  symptoms  and  dangers  vary  with  the  seat  of  the 
effusion.  The  result  is  most  favorable  when  this  is  under 
the  skin,  the  main  danger  then  beiug  from  suffocation,  ex- 
tensive death  and  sloughuig  of  skin,  and  softening  and  de- 
tachment of  tendons  and  ligaments.     Unless  improvement 


Dietetic  and  Coiistitutional  Disvases.  IGl 

is  shown  by  the  third  or  fourth  day  the  disease  will  usually 
last  over  twelve  or  fourteen  days,  and  the  resulting  sores 
even  for  months. 

Prevention.  Keep  in  strong,  vigorous  health,  and  avoid 
the  various  causes  (exposure,  etc.,)  known  to  precipitate 
the  malady.  Drainage  of  damp  localities  is  not  without 
its  influence.  Lastly,  avoid  weakening  treatment  in  dis- 
eases of  the  respiratory  organs,  especially  such  as  are  at- 
tended with  a  low  type  of  fever  like  influenza,  and,  above 
all,  avoid  exercising  such  animals  to  fatigue,  or  exposing 
to  inclement  weather. 

Treatment.  Give  a  mild  laxative  (olive  oil,  linseed  oil, 
aloes,)  and  follow  up  by  diuretics  (sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  oil 
of  turpentine,  buchu,  nitrate  of  potassa,)  carefully  gradua- 
ted in  amount  to  the  strength  of  the  patient,  and  use 
freely  agents  calculated  to  increase  the  viscidity  of  the 
blood  (tincture  of  muriate  of  iron  1  dr.,  chlorate  of  potassa 
2  to  4  dr.,  bichromate  of  potassa  ^  gi'ain,)  with  bitter 
tonics  (quinia,  cascarilla,  camomile,)  and,  if  necessary  to 
moderate  suffering,  anodynes  (belladonna)  or  in  very  pros- 
trate conditions  stimulants  (alcoholic  liquors,  oil  of  tur- 
pentine). Locally,  the  swellings  should  be  often  bathed 
with  tepid  lotions  of  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron,  carboKc 
acid,  or  chloride  of  zinc  diluted  so  as  to  be  non-irritating. 
Astringent  solutions  should  be  assiduously  employed 
about  the  head,  and,  if  suffocation  is  threatened,  tubes  of 
gutta-percha  may  be  inserted  in  the  nostrils  to  keep  them 
open.  Tracheotomy  is  to  be  avoided  if  possible,  together 
with  scarifying  of  the  swellings,  because  of  the  rLsk  of  un- 
healthy sores  resulting. 

Modified  Forms.  The  mild  forms  of  this  affection  have 
been  described  as  scarlatina,  the  distinction  being  based 
on  the  punctiforn  riature  of  the  blood-staining,  the  sever- 
ity of  the  sore- throat  and  the  more  moderate  exudation. 
But  there  is  no  contagion  nor,  indeed,  anything  that  seoms 
to  warrant  the  distinction  claimed.  This  form  may  be  es- 
pecially benefited  by  poultices  and  counter-imtauts  to  the 
11 


1G2  The  Farmer's  Veterinarif  Adviser. 

tliroat,  by  the  inhalation  of  warm  water  vapor,  and  by  as- 
tringent electuaries  (chlorate  of  potassa,  2  oz.  ;  vinegar,  2 
oz. ;  linseed  meal,  5  oz.  ;  syrup,  sufficient  to  form  a  pasty 
mass.  Smear  one-eighth  of  the  mass  on  the  back  teeth 
twice  a  day).  Otherwise,  the  treatment  is  the  same  as  for 
purpura. 

ANAEMIA. 

This  term  is  used  to  imply  a  deficiency  of  red  globules 
in  the  blood,  a  result  which  may  be  determined  by  a  vari- 
ety of  causes  described  in  other  parts  of  this  work.  Among 
these  may  be  named  :  worms,  profuse  bleeding,  excessive  se- 
cretions from  the  udder,  kidneys,  bowels,  etc.,  chronic  dis- 
eases of  digestion,  or  of  the  mesenteric  glands,  feeding  on 
aliment  deficient  in  some  essential  element,  on  what  has  been 
grown  on  poor,  sandy  soils,  restriction  for  a  length  of  time  to 
one  kind  of  food,  starvation,  diseases  of  the  jaws  or  teeth, 
damp,  dark,  badly-aired  buildings,  seclusion  from  sunhght, 
etc.  Some  cases,  however,  are  not  traceable  to  any  defi- 
nite cause,  and  it  appears  that  they  set  in  and  progress,  in 
spite  of  good  hygienic  arrangements,  and  in  the  absence 
of  any  obvious  disease  of  structure. 

Symptoms.  Great  and  increasing  paleness  of  the  mu- 
cous membranes,  and  in  white  animals  of  the  skin  (paper 
skin) ;  lack  of  fullness  or  roundness  of  the  veins ;  slow, 
weak  pulse ;  heart's  beat  slow  and  heard  with  difficulty, 
but  excited  to  palpitation  when  the  patient  is  subjected  to 
violent  exertion ;  there  is  great  lack  of  life  and  energy, 
and  hurried  breathing,  perspiration  and  fatigue  are  easily 
induced.  As  the  blood  becomes  poorer  all  these  symp- 
toms are  aggravated,  movement  becomes  unsteady,  the 
hair  or  wool  is  easily  detached,  appetite  fails,  the  dung  is 
passed  in  smaU  quantities  and  very  hard,  and  a  very  clear 
urine  of  a  low  density  is  secreted  in  excess.  In  the  ad- 
vanced stages  the  pale,  dull,  sunken  eye,  the  puffy  appear- 
ance of  the  membrane  of  the  eyehds,  the  dropsical  swell- 
ings beneath  the  jaws  or  body  or  in  the  Hmbs,  the  inability 


Dietetic  and  Constitutional  Diseases.        1()3 

or  disinclination  to  rise,  the  staggering  gait,  the  hurried 
breathing  becoming  quick  and  wheezing  on  the  least  exer- 
tion, and  the  palpitations  are  highly  characteristic.  Towards 
the  end  the  urine  may  pass  involuntarily  or  diarrhoea  may 
supervene.  Death  sometimes  occurs  earlj,  before  there  is 
much  emaciation,  and  horses  will  even  die  in  harness. 

Prevention.  Avoid  everything  calculated  to  reduce  the  sys- 
tem unduly.  Severe  depletive  treatment  of  disease  (bleed- 
ing, purging,  diuretics,)  should  only  be  resorted  to  under 
necessity.  Hard  work,  excessive  yield  of  milk,  etc.,  can  only 
be  warranted  under  a  rich,  abundant  food,  and  in  an  animal 
of  gi'eat  powers  of  digestion  and  assimilation.  Regularity  in 
feeding,  watering  and  work  are  essential. 

The  effect  of  a  spare  diet,  even  in  idleness,  must  be  care- 
fully watched,  as  well  as  a  long-continued  feeding  on  one 
variety  of  plant.  If  evil  effects  are  shown  there  should  be 
a  prompt  change  to  natural  hay  or  grass,  consisting  of  a 
variety  of  plants  gro^vn  on  a  dry  soil,  and  a  hberal  supply  of 
gi-aiiL 

in  cases  due  to  parasites  or  other  removable  cause,  atten- 
tion to  these  is  manifestly  the  first  step  to  prevention. 

Treatment.  After  removal  of  the  causes,  support  by  nour- 
ishing, easily-digested  food  in  small  bulk  to  avoid  exhausting 
the  powers  of  the  stomach.  Ground  oats,  barley,  oil-cake, 
and  a  httle  natural  hay  may  be  especially  mentioned,  though, 
for  weak  subjects,  thick,  well-boiled  giiiels  and  beef  tea 
(even  for  herbivora)  may  be  resorted  to.  Tonics  are  all-im- 
portant (iron,  gentian,  quassia,  cascarilla,  cinchona,  common 
salt,  pepsin,)  but  should  be  given  in  small  doses  to  the  weaker 
subjects.  Iron  and  gentian,  given  as  tinctures,  are  espe- 
cially useful.  In  extreme  cases,  health  may  be  speedily  re- 
vived by  the  transfusion  of  blood  fi'om  a  healthy  animal.  In 
all  cases,  the  patient  should  be  allowed  rest  in  a  dry,  warm, 
weU-aired  place,  and  should  have  hght,  sunshine,  and  groom- 
ing. 


CHAPTER  VI. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  KESPIRATOEY  ORGANS. 

General  causes  of  diseases  of  the  breathing  organs.  Physical  examination 
of  these  organs  : — Auscultation,  percussion.  Bleeding  from  the  nose.  Nasal 
Catarrh.  Cold  in  the  head.  Collection  of  matter  in  the  nasal  sinuses.  Ab- 
scess of  the  false  nostril.  Abscess  in  the  guttural  pouches.  Tumors  in  the 
nose.  Malignant  catarrh  of  cattle.  Sore-throat.  Croup.  Roup.  Diphthe- 
ria. Chronic  roaring.  Bronchitis.  Chronic  bronchitis.  Glander  heaves. 
Acute  congestion  of  the  lungs.  Pneumonia.  Inflammation  of  the  lungs. 
Pleurisy.  Inflammation  of  the  membrane  lining  the  chest.  Pleuro-pneu- 
monia.  Broncho-pneumonia.  Broncho-pleuro-pneumonia.  Hydro-thorax. 
Water  in  the  chest.  Pneumo-thorax.  Air  or  gas  in  the  chest.  Abscess  of 
the  intercostal  spaces.  Dropsy  of  the  lung.  Apoplexy  of  the  lung.  Pleu- 
ro-dynia.  Rheumatism  of  the  walls  of  the  chest.  Asthma  in  dogs.  Heaves. 
Broken-wind.  Bleeding  from  the  lungs.  Haemoptysis.  Parasites  in  the 
upper  air-passages.  Grub  in  the  head.  Larva  of  Qistrus  Ovis.  Pentasto- 
ma  Taenioides.  Parasites  in  the  lower  air-passages.  Lung-worms  of  sheep, 
etc.  Lung- worms  of  horses  and  cattle.  Gape-worm  of  fowls.  Verminous 
bfonch.tis  in  calves,  sheep,  swine  and  birds. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

These  are  of  the  first  importance  in  domestic  animals 
alike  as  regards  their  frequency  and  the  mortality  and 
other  serious  consequences  they  entail.  In  young  horses 
especially  they  are  far  more  common  and  more  destinictive 
than  any  other  class  of  diseases.  Among  the  general 
causes  of  diseases  of  this  class  of  organs  the  following  may 
be  stated  in  brief :  1.  The  great  extent  of  the  respiratory 
surface  in  the  lungs  =  200  to  500  square  feet.  2.  The  ex- 
treme tenuity  and  delicacy  of  the  membrane  covering  this 
surface,  protective  cells  (epithelium)  being  almost  wanting 
m  the  air  cells,  contrary  to  what  exists  on  every  other  mu- 
cous surface  in  the  body.     3.  The  extraordinary  work  tc 


Diseases  of  the  Bespiratorij  Organs.  165 

which  the  lungs  are  subjected  in  the  rapid  paces  and  se- 
vere efforts  made  by  the  horse.  4.  The  close,  impure  air 
of  the  stable  in  contrast  to  the  clear  bracing  air  of  the  fields 
to  which  the  colt  has  been  accustomed.  5.  The  effect  of 
the  hot  relaxing  air  of  the  stable  is  not  only  on  the  lungs 
directly  but  on  the  skin  with  which  the  lungs  and  all  in- 
ternal organs  so  closely  sympathize.  6.  The  heats  and 
chills,  and  violent  nervous  excitement  to  which  young 
horses  are  subjected  in  passing  into  training  and  work. 

7.  The  changes  of  locality,  feeding  and  management  to 
which  young  horses  are  subjected  on  leaving  the  breeder. 

8.  The  variable  weather  and  sudden,  extreme  changes  of 
spring  and  autumn.  9.  The  susceptibility  which  results 
from  the  want  of  habitude  of  bearing  extreme  heat  and 
cold,  and  which  tells  especially  at  the  above  seasons.  10. 
The  draughts  of  cold  air  to  which  animals  are  often  sub- 
jected, and  particularly  when  warm  and  perspiring.  11. 
The  frequent  exposure  to  cold  drenching  rains,  night  dews 
and  the  Hke,  after  the  excitement  and  relaxation  consequent 
on  a  hard  day's  work.  12.  The  arrest  of  circulation  through 
the  lungs  owing  to  imperfect  aeration  of  the  blood  when  an 
animal  out  of  condition  is  driven  at  a  pace  beyond  his 
power  of  endurance. 

Modes  of  Physical  Exploitation  of  the  Respiratory  Organs, 
Auscultation  and  percussion  are  the  most  essential.  The 
first  is  the  apphcation  of  the  -ear  alone  or  with  a  stetho- 
scope to  the  surface  over  some  part  of  the  respiratory  or- 
gans (nose,  throat,  windpipe,  chest,)  to  hsten  to  the  natural 
sounds  of  breathing  and  to  detect  any  unnatural  change 
or  absence  of  these  sounds.  The  natural  sounds  must  he 
studied  on  the  healthy  animal,  and  then  the  different  mod- 
ifications followed  on  the  diseased.  In  general  terms  there 
is  a  blowing  sound  to  be  heard  in  health  over  the  nose, 
throat,  windpipe,  and  between  the  upper  and  middle 
thirds  of  the  chest.  In  the  rest  of  the  chest  is  a  soft,  rus- 
tling murmur  which  has  been  compared  to  the  gentlest 
zeuhyr  stirring  dry  leaves.     Just  behind  the  left  elbow  in 


IGG  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

horses  this  murmur  is  absent  and  replaced  by  the  sound? 
of  the  heart.  Between  the  upper  and  middle  thirds  of  the 
chest  it  mingles  with  the  blowing  sound  anteriorly,  but  is 
imaccompanied  by  that  over  the  few  last  ribs.  Percussion 
consists  in  drawing  out  the  resonance  of  any  part  by  strik- 
ing it  gentle  taps  with  a  hard  object,  the  blows  falling  per- 
pendicularly to  its  surface,  and  of  a  force  proportioned  to 
the  depth  of  the  organ  it  is  meant  to  sound.  Thus,  for  the 
surface,  the  gentlest  taps  with  the  tip  of  the  finger  are 
wanted,  while  for  the  centre  of  the  chest  in  large  animals, 
the  closed  fist  may  be  advantageously  used.  For  inter- 
mediate depths  the  four  fingers  and  thumb  may  be  brought 
together,  in  a  straight  line  at  their  tips,  and  the  surface 
tapped  with  this.  When  a  cavity,  enclosed  by  a  hard 
bony  surface,  such  as  the  nose,  is  being  sounded,  it  is  well 
enough  to  tap  this  direct,  but  if  the  surface  is  soft,  as  in 
the  chest  of  fat  and  fleshy  animals,  a  hard,  soHd  body 
should  be  pressed  firmly  upon  it  and  the  taps  delivered 
upon  this.  As  the  different  parts  of  the  right  hand  ma> 
be  used  for  delivering  the  taps,  so  may  the  two  middle  fin- 
gers of  the  left  hand  be  employed  to  compress  the  soft 
parts  and  receive  them.  The  front  of  the  fingers  should 
be  applied  against  the  surface  and  the  hard  bony  backs 
turned  out  to  receive  the  taps.  If  percussion  is  made  over 
a  hollow  space,  like  the  nose  or  windpipe,  the  sound  is 
drum-hke ;  if  over  an  open,  spongy  tissue,  like  the  lung,  it 
is  much  less  so  but  still  full  and  clear,  but  if  over  a  soHd 
body,  like  the  thigh,  it  is  dull,  dead,  or  quite  wanting  in 
resonance.  Behind  the  left  elbow  such  dull  sound  is  met 
with  in  the  horse  and,  to  a  less  extent,  in  cattle ;  and  on 
the  last  ribs  on  the  right  side  in  cattle,  sheep  and  pigs  a 
similar  dullness  is  found  in  accordance  with  the  position 
of  the  Hver.  Any  increase,  diminution  or  loss  of  reso- 
nance over  particular  parts  thus  becomes  of  great  value  as 
indicating  the  healthy  or  unnatural  state  of  the  parts. 
But  the  observer  must  learn  this  matter  by  experience  on 
the  heaJthy  and  diseased.  These  hints  are  merely  thrown 
out  to  make  what  will  follow  intelligible. 


Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Orga^is.         167 

BLEEDING  FROM  THE  NOSE. 

Bleeding  from  the  nose  is  rather  rare  in  animals,  an*' 
usually  results  from  disease  or  injury  to  the  mucous  mem 
brane  or  to  violent  exertions  in  coughing,  sneezing,  draw- 
ing heavy  loads  uphill,  or  with  a  tight  collar,  and  espe- 
cially in  animals  with  a  plethoric  habit. 

Symptoms.  Bleeding  in  drops  (rarely  in  a  stream)  from 
one  nostril  only,  accompanied  by  sneezing,  and  without 
frothing  or  sour  odor.  Bleeding  from  the  lungs  comes 
from  both  nostrils,  is  bright-red,  frothy  and  accompanied 
by  a  cough.  Bleeding  from  the  stomach  also  comes  from 
both  nostrils,  and  is  black,  clotted,  sour,  and  attended  bj 
retching. 

Treatment.  Tie  the  head  short  up  to  a  high  rack  or  beam, 
^over  head  and  neck  with  bags  of  ice  or  rugs  wrung  out  of 
cold  water,  and  blow  matico  powder  or  strong  alum  water 
in  spray  into  the  nose  during  inspiration.  In  obstinate 
cascss,  the  nose  may  be  plugged  with  pledgets  of  tow,  tied 
with  a  soft  cord  by  which  they  may  be  withdrawn  when 
the  bleeding  subsides.  Both  nostrils  must  not  be  plugged 
in  horses  unless  tracheotomy  has  first  been  performed. 
Internally,  may  be  given  gallic  acid,  acetate  of  lead,  per- 
chloride  of  iron  or  ergot  of  rye. 

NASAL  CATARRH.       COLD  IN  THE  HEAD. 

This  results  from  the  general  causes  above  mentioned 
and  from  irritant  gases,  vapors,  etc. 

Symj)tomjs.  Sneezing,  redness  and  watering  of  the  eyes, 
and  redness  of  the  membraiiO  of  the  nose  which  is  at  first 
dry,  afterwards  discharges  a  clear  watery  fluid  and  finally  a 
3^eUowish-white  muco-purulent  matter.  In  mild  cases 
there  is  little  or  no  fever,  in  the  more  severe  fever  may 
run  high. 

Treatment.  In  mild  cases  rest  in  a  clear,  airy,  warm 
building  with  suitable  clothing  and  warm  bran  mashes  is 
all  that  is  necessary.  In  th(^  more  severe  steam  the  nose 
as  for  strangles,  and  slightly  charge  the  air  with  the  fumes 


1G8  The  Fanner'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


of  burning  sulphur,  give  warm  water  injections  or  even 
a  mild  laxative,  (horse,  ox  or  sheep,  Glauber  salts ;  dog  or 
pig,  castor  oil),  followed  by  refrigerant  diuretics  (nitre, 
acetate  of  potassa,  etc.).     If  debility  ensues  feed  well  and 

Fig.  11. 


Fig.  II — Syphon  for  injecting  the  nose. 

give  tonics  (gentian,  etc.,)  and  stimulants  (spirits  of  nitrous 
ether).  Chronic  discharges  may  usually  be  promptly 
checked  by  injecting  the  nose  with  a  weak  astringent 
solution  (sulphate  of  zinc  ^  dr.,  glycerine  1  oz.,  tepid 
water  1  qt.)  This  is  thrown  in  with  a  syphon  having  one 
arm  sixteen  inches  long  and  the  other  leaving  that  at  an 
angle  of  45^,  three  and  a  half  inches  long  and  narrowing  to 
half  an  inch  at  the  point.  The  short  limb  is  inserted  into 
the  nostril,  having  first  been  passed  through  a  hole  in  the 
centre  of  a  piece  of  sole  leather  intended  to  prevent  the 
return  of  the  fluid  from  the  nose.  The  adaptation  is 
perfected  by  pledgets  of  tow,  and  the  head  being  brought 
into  a  vertical  position  the  liquid  is  poured  into  the  long 
end  of  the  sjrphon  until  it  rises  in  that  nasal  chamber 
and  escapes  by  the  opposite  nostril.  One  or  two  such  in- 
jections are  usually  sufiicient. 

COLLECTION  OF  MATTER  IN  THE  NASAL  SINUSES. 

This  is  common  after  severe  colds  in  the  horse  ;  and  as 
the  result  of  blows  on  the  forehead  or  horns  in  oxen,  of 
Lujuries  fi'om  the  yoke,  etc. ;  in  sheep  from  grub  in  the 
head  (larva  of  CEstrus  Ovis) ;  in  dogs  and  horses  from  the 
pentasfomatay  and  in  all  animals  from  diseases  of  the  upper 
back  teeth. 

Symptoms,    A  more  or  less  constant  discharge  fronc 


Diseases  of  the  Resiyiratory  Organs.  1()0 

the  nose,  foetid  if  long  retained,  and  above  all  if  from  a  dis- 
eased tooth,  a  dullness  on  percussion  on  that  side  of  tht 
face  between  the  eyes  or  just  beneath  the  eyes,  and  occa- 
sionally heat,  tenderness  and  even  swelling  of  these  parts, 
especially  below  the  eye. 

Treatment.  Trephine  the  bone  to  one  side  of  the 
median  line  of  the  forehead,  in  the  interval  between  the 
eyes,  and  again,  an  inch  above  the  end  of  the  bony  ridge 
which  extends  down  beneath  the  eye,  and  wash  out  daily, 
at  first  with  tepid  water  and  finally  with  the  injection 
recommended  for  the  nose.  In  the  case  of  parasites 
these  must  be  rinsed  out.  Sometimes  a  slight  collection 
of  this  kind  will  recover  imder  injections  for  the  nose 
and  the  persistent  use  of  sulphate  of  iron  or  copper, 
or  other  tonic.  If  there  is  a  diseased  tooth  it  will  be 
recognized  by  the  dropping  of  food  half-chewed,  by 
the  swelling  and  tenderness  around  the  fang  of  the 
tooth  and  by  the  intolerable  foetor  which  clings  to  the 
fingers  when  a  balling  iron  has  been  placed  in  the  mouth 
and  the  tooth  examined  with  the  hand.  Such  a  tooth 
must  be  extracted  with  large  forceps,  if  already  loosened, 
or  if  not,  an  opening  should  be  made  upon  its  fang  with  a 
trephine  and  the  offending  tooth  driven  out  with  a  puncli 
and  mallet.  But  there  is  much  danger  of  injuring  impor- 
tant vessels  and  nerves  unless  the  operator  is  thoroughly 
conversant  with  anatomy. 

ABSCESS  OF  THE  FALSE  NOSTRIL. 

This  is  common  in  young  horses  and  appears  as  a  slowlr 
increasing,  inactive,  tense,  round  swelling  in  the  outer 
part  of  the  nostril.  It  is  so  firm  as  to  feel  solid  but  col- 
lapses at  once  when  opened.  It  should  be  laid  open  from 
within  the  nose  along  its  whole  length  and  plugged  witb 
tow  till  the  raw  edges  have  skinned  over. 

ABSCESS  IN  THE  GUTTURAL  POUCHES. 

These  are  two  cavities  situated  above  the  throa  t  and  pe- 


170  The  Farmer'^ s  Veterinary  Adviser, 


culiar  to  solipeds.  Each  has  a  small  opening  at  its  ante- 
rior part  through  which  any  liquid  within  them  can  escape 
only  when  the  head  is  depressed.  Hence  a  collection  o< 
matter  in  these  sacs,  consequent  on  a  sore  throat,  escaped 
and  is  discharged  through  the  nose  intermittently  when 
the  head  is  down  drinking,  or  still  more  in  grazing  or  nib- 
bling roots.  The  discharge  comes  from  both  nostrils  and 
there  may  or  may  not  be  swelling  beneath  the  ear.  Many 
such  cases  will  recover  if  sent  to  grass  or  fed  from  the 
ground  and  treated  wdth  some  of  the  tonics  recommended 
for  chronic  catarrh  or  glanders.  But  should  these  fail  the 
sac  must  be  laid  open,  setoned  and  washed  out  daily  with 
ft  weak  astringent  lotion.  This  operation  requires  the 
most  accurate  knowledge  of  the  parts  to  avoid  the  many 
important  stractiu'es  in  the  region.  (See  the  author's  lar- 
ger work.) 

TUMORS  IN  THE  NOSE. 

Tumors  of  almost  every  kind  grow  in  the  nose  and  must 
be  removed  by  surgical  means. 

MALIGNANT  CATARRH  OF  CATTLE. 

This  appears  mainly  in  cold,  damp,  marshy  situationa 
where  the  vitality  is  impaired,  or  in  unusual  seasons.  Il 
the  cold  early  summer  of  1875  I  met  with  it  in  cows- 
in  several  marshy  places.  Low,  damp  river-bottoms  art 
most  subject  to  it  and  probably  it  is  due  to  deleterious 
agents  taken  in  with  the  food  and  water  as  well  as  to  chilla 
and  exposure. 

Symptoms.  A  slight  diarrhoea  may  be  followed  by  cos- 
tiveness,  the  dung  being  black,  firm  and  scanty.  The 
hair  is  rough  and  erect,  shivering  ensues,  the  head  is  de- 
pressed, the  roots  of  the  honis  and  fcrehead  hot,  e5^es 
sunken,  red,  watery,  with  turbidity  in  the  interior  and  in- 
tolerance of  light,  muzzle  dry  and  hot,  mouth  hot  with 
much  saliva,  the  membranes  of  mouth,  nose  and  vagina 
bluish-red,  pulse  rapid,  impulse  of  heart  weak,  breathing 


Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs,         171 

hurried,  cough,  urine  scanty  and  high-colored  and  surface  of 
the  body  alternately  hot  and  cold.  In  twenty-four  hours 
all  the  symptoms  are  aggravated,  the  nose  discharges  a 
slimy  fluid,  the  forehead  is  warmer,  and  duller  on  percus- 
sion, the  mouth  covered  with  dark-red  blotches  from  which 
the  cuticle  soon  peels  off  leaving  raw  sores,  appetite  is 
completely  lost,  dung  and  urine  passed  with  much  pain 
and  straining  and  there  is  general  stiffness  and  indisposi- 
tion to  move.  From  the  fourth  to  the  sixth  day  ulcers 
appear  on  the  nose  and  muzzle,  swellings  take  place  be- 
neath the  jaws,  chest  and  abdomen,  and  on  the  legs,  the 
skin  may  even  slough  off  in  patches,  a  foetid  saliva  drivels 
from  the  mouth  and  a  stinking  diarrhoea  succeeds  the  cos- 
tiveness.  Death  usually  ensues  from  the  eighth  to  the 
tenth  (Jay,  preceded  perhaps  by  convulsions  or  signs  of 
suffocation.  The  disease  strongly  resembles  the  Russian 
Cattle  Blague  but  is  rarely  contagious. 

Treatment.  Clear  out  the  bowels  by  a  laxative  (olive 
oil  and  laudanum),  following  this  up  by  shghtl}^  stimulat- 
ing diuretics  (sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  liquor  of  acetate  of 
ammonia,)  with  antiseptics  (chlorate  of  potassa,  bichro- 
mate of  potassa,  hydrochloric  acid).  Wet  cloths  may  be 
kept  on  the  head,  the  mouth  and  nose  sponged  with  very 
weak  solutions  of  carboHc  acid,  and  only  soft  mashes  and 
sliced  or  pulped  roots  allowed. 

SORE-THEOAT. 

This  may  be  confined  to  the  larynx  or  upper  end  of  the 
windpipe  (laryngitis)^  or  the  pharynx  or  membranous 
pouch  through  which  air  and  food  both  pass  at  the  back 
of  the  mouth  ( pharyngitis )^  or  the  whole  may  be  involved 
(laryngo-pharyngitis).  There  are,  besides,  the  sore-throats 
connected  with  specific  diseases  (croup,  diphtheria,  in- 
fluenza, strangles,  distemper  and  purpura). 

The  CAUSES  of  simple  sore-throat  are  the  same  as  those 
of  nasal  catarrh  Bots  in  the  throat  may  cause  it  ir 
horses. 


172  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


Symptoms.  The  nose  is  raised  and  protruded,  tlie  lieac 
being  carried  stiffly  and  more  in  a  line  with  the  neck  than 
usual,  and  there  is  swelling  of  the  throat  or  beneath  the 
roots  of  the  ears.  There  is  cough,  hard  in  laryngitis,  and 
dry  and  husky  in  pharyngitis,  and,  later,  loose  and  gur- 
gUng  in  both  diseases.  With  laryngitis  there  is  much  ten- 
derness to  touch,  and,  in  the  early  stages,  a  loud,  harsh 
blowing  sound  which  may  become  loose  and  rattling  as 
the  disease  advances.  With  pharyngitis  there  is  a  little 
tenderness,  but  difficulty  in  swallowing,  chewed  morsels 
being  often  di'opped  again  and  water  rejected  through  the 
nose.  The  discharge  from  the  nose  is  more  glairy  than  in 
nasal  catarrh  or  bronchitis,  and  on  its  appearance  the  act- 
ive fever  usually  subsides  in  great  part.  If  there  is  much 
redness  of  the  membrane  of  the  nose,  and  high  fever,  the 
case  is  likely  to  be  severe,  and  the  same  is  true  of  cases  with 
a  painful,  paroxysmal  cough. 

In  Chronic  Sore-throat  there  may  appear  to  be  general 
good  health,  but  a  cough  comes  on  in  paroxysms  when  the 
patient  comes  into  the  cold  air,  drinks  cold  water,  eats  dry 
oats  or  dusty  hay  or  undergoes  active  exertion.  There  are 
also  more  or  less  tenderness  and  wheezing  or  rattling  in 
the  throat,  and  sometimes  sHght  swelling. 

Treatment.  Eest  in  a  clean,  dry,  airy  stable  or  box. 
Clothe  warmly  and  flannel  bandage  the  legs  if  cold  or 
tending  to  shiver.  Tie  a  rug  or  sheep-skin  with  wool  in 
around  the  neck.  Steam  the  nose  as  for  strangles.  Unless 
the  fever  and  pulse  are  low  or  the  affection  of  an  influenza 
type,  a  laxative  is  usually  beneficial  (horse,  aloes ;  ox 
and  sheep,  Glauber  salts ;  dog  and  pig,  castor  oil ;)  following 
up  with  nitre  or  acetate  of  potassa  in  the  water,  and  ano- 
dynes as  electuaries.  Solid  extract  of  belladonna  4  di*s. ; 
tannic  acid  1  dr. ;  bisulphite  of  soda  4  drs. ;  honey  or 
syrup  5  oz. ;  mix.  Dose — horse  and  ox  a  piece  as  large  as 
a  hickory  nut ;  sheep  one-fourth,  dog  one-tenth  of  this  bulk, 
thrice  daily.  To  be  smeared  on  the  back  teeth  and  swal- 
lowed at  leisure. 


Diseases  of  the  Bcspiratory  Organs.  173 

In  most  cases,  a  thin  pulp,  made  with  mustard  and 
water,  should  be  well  rubbed  in  around  the  throat  as  soon 
as  the  bowels  respond,  and  covered  up  for  two  hours,  but. 
in  the  most  severe,  this  may  be  preceded  for  a  day  or  twc 
by  a  linseed  poultice.  The  diet  throughout  must  be 
gi-een,  soft  mashes  or  roots. 

CROUP. 

Especially  seen  in  young  animals  (calves,  lambs,  foals,) 
in  cold  and  damp  or  high  exposed  localities.  The  symp- 
toms are  those  of  severe  sore-throat  (laryngitis)  coming  on 
very  suddenly  with  hard  croupy  cough  and  dry  wheezing 
breathing,  worse  at  one  time  than  another  or  heard  only 
at  particular  times  of  the  day  (morning,  night,)  when 
spasms  of  the  larynx  come  on.  But  the  most  characteris- 
tic symptom  is  the  formation  of  albuminoid  false  mem- 
branes as  white  films  or  pellicles  in  the  throat,  and  which 
are  discharged  in  shreds  on  the  second  or  third  day. 
Fever  runs  very  high,  pulse  ninety  to  one  hundi'ed,  tem- 
perature 107^,  and  even  higher. 

Treatment.  Give  a  warm,  well-aired  building,  with 
water-vapor  set  free  in  the  atmosphere,  if  possible  ;  warm 
clothing,  a  laxative  (sulphate  of  soda)  with  antispasmodic 
(laudanum,  aconite,  chloral-hydrate,  lobelia) ;  follow  up 
with  small  doses  of  sulphate  of  soda,  chlorate  of  potassa 
and  antispasmodics,  giving  each  dose  in  well-boiled  linseed 
tea,  slippery  elm  or  marsh-mallow.  BHster  the  neck  ac- 
tively (mustard,  with  or  without  oil  of  turpentine,)  and,  if 
necessary,  swab  out  the  throat  with  a  solution  of  nitrate 
of  silver  ten  grs.,  water  one  oz.,  applied  by  a  small  sponge 
immovably  tied  on  a  piece  of  whalebone.  In  the  worst 
cases  suffocation  must  be  obviated  by  opening  the  wind- 
pipe in  the  middle  of  the  neck  and  inserting  a  tube  to 
breathe  through.  In  horses  a  ring  must  not  be  completely 
cut  across,  but  a  semicircular  piece  cut  out  of  each  of  two 
adjacent  ones.  Sometimes  stimulants  (wine  whey,  car- 
bonate of  ammonia,)  and  tonics  (gentian,  cinchona,)  mus< 
be  used  to  sustain  the  failing  sti'ength. 


174  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 

CROUP    OR    ROUP    IN   FOWLS. 

Causes.  Probably  similar  to  those  acting  on  quadrupeds. 
Exciting  diet  (wheat,  buckwheat,  oats,)  seems  at  times  in- 
jurious. Newly-arrived  fowls  are  most  liable  to  contract  it, 
yet  it  does  not  always  seem  contagious  in  the  ordinary  sense, 
but  rather  inherent  in  soil,  locality  or  conditions  of  life. 

Symj>toms.  Dullness,  sleepiness,  neglect  of  food,  ruffled 
feathers,  unsteady  walk,  quickened  breathing,  with  a  hoarse 
wheeze,  and  an  occasional  loud  crowing  noise.  On  the  tongue, 
at  the  angle  of  union  of  the  beak,  or  in  the  throat  appear 
yellowish  white  films  {false  memhranes)  firmly  adherent  to  a 
reddened  surface,  and  raw  sores  where  these  have  been  de- 
tached. The  nostrils  may  be  completely  plugged  with  swell- 
ing and  discharge  so  that  breath  can  only  be  drawn  through 
the  open  bill.  The  inflammation  may  extend  along  the  wind- 
pipe to  the  aerial  cavities  and  lungs,  or  along  the  gullet  to 
the  intestines.  In  the  first  case,  death  may  take  place  from 
suffocation,  and  in  the  second,  from  diarrhoea,  and  as  early 
as  in  twenty-four  hours.  Toward  the  end  of  an  outbreak, 
the  malady  may  last  twenty  days  and  still  prove  fatal.  False 
membranes  may  form  on  other  distant  parts  of  the  body,  but 
especially  the  comb,  wattles,  eye,  or  on  accidental  sores. 

Treatment.  Disuse  raw  grain,  and  feed  on  vegetables, 
and  puddings  made  of  well-boiled  oat,  barley  or  Indian  meal. 
Dissolve  carbonate  or  sulphate  of  soda,  or  chlorate  of  potassa 
freely  in  the  water  drunk,  remove  the  false  membranes  with 
a  feather  or  forceps  and  apply  to  the  surface  with  a  feather 
the  nitrate  of  silver  lotion  advised  for  croup  in  quadrupeds. 
If  diarrhoea  supervenes,  give  a  teaspoonful  of  quinia  wine 
thrice  a  day.  It  is  all-important  to  change  the  run  of  the 
chickens  for  a  time  at  least. 

DIPHTHERIA. 

This  is  seen  in  calves,  pigs,  horses,  rabbits,  mice,  rats,  kit- 
tens, guinea-pigs,  hens  and  ducks.  It  is  undoubtedly  con- 
tagious, yet  one  attack  does  not  protect  against  a  second.  In 
the  false  membranes,  blood,  and  internal  organs  (spleen,  liver, 
kidney,  etc.)  are  found  spherical  and  rod  bacteria  (strepto- 


Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs.  175 

coccus  and  bacillus),  which  convey  the  disease  to  susceptible 
aninjals  after  a  number  of  artificial  cultures  (Loeffler). 
Though  not  always  inoculable  from  one  genus  to  another, 
there  are  many  cases  of  such  interchange,  accidental  and  ex- 
perimental, and  in  these  man  has  reciprocated  freely  with  the 
lower  animals.  The  special  potency  of  the  poison,  the  re- 
ceptivity of  the  subject,  and  the  unwholesome  condition  of 
the  surroundings  have  much  to  do  with  the  result.  Close, 
filthy  pens,  and  want  of  care,  strongly  predispose.  The  poi- 
son is  easily  carried  in  milk. 

SymjMoms.  Sudden  illness,  with  sore-throat  and  extreme 
weakness  and  stiffness  of  back  and  loins.  The  pig  moves 
slowly  and  crouchingly  with  raised  head,  open  dry  moutli, 
hoarse  nasal  grunt,  livid  tongue,  and  red  swollen  throat  with 
grayish-white  patches  of  false  membranes.  The  eyes  are 
dull  and  sunken,  and  the  appetite  gone.  In  a  few  hours  all 
the  structures  of  throat  and  nose  are  involved,  there  is  much 
swelling  and  threatened  suffocation  and  shreds  oi  false  mem- 
hrane  are  coughed  up.  The  patient  remains  down,  sits  on 
his  haunches,  or  leans  on  the  fence  and  usually  perishes  in 
a  fit  of  coughing.  In  other  genera  there  is  violent  sore- 
throat  (at  first  often  without  fever),  swelling  of  throat  and 
glands,  difficult  swallowing  and  breathing,  and  later  cough- 
ing up  of  false  membranes.  The  false  membranes  also  ap- 
pear on  superficial  sores,  while  in  some  cases  the  poison  acts 
especially  on  the  internal  organs.  Muscular  pains,  weakness 
and  paralysis  often  follow. 

Treatment.  Must  be  early  to  succeed,  hence,  examine  the 
throat  for  false  membranes  in  all  cases  of  sore-throat  in  pigs, 
holding  the  animal  with  a  noose  around  the  upper  jaw.  If 
white  patches  are  seen,  apply  at  once  and  freely  the  nitrate 
of  silver  lotion  advised  for  croup,  and  repeat  as  often  as  may 
seem  necessary  to  keep  the  diseased  growths  in  check.  Tinct- 
ure of  muriate  of  iron,  with  as  much  chlorate  of  potash  as  it 
will  dissolve,  may  be  diluted  in  water  to  a  strong  astringent 
wash  and  given  every  hour.  The  bowels  may  be  freely 
opened  by  a  purgative,  and  tincture  of  the  nmriate  of  iron 
and  nitre  given  thrice  a  day  in  a  tablespoonful  of  cold  water. 


176  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Gi-eat  attention  must  be  given  to  the  comfort  and  to  secure 
pure  air,  and  soft,  easily-digestible  food  for  some  time. 

CHKONIC    ROAKING    IN    HORSES. 

This  is  a  wheezing,  whistling,  or  hoarse  rasping  sound 
made  in  the  upper  part  of  the  windpipe  (larynx)  in  breath- 
ing and  especially  when  excited.  It  is  usuall}^  due  to  pa- 
ralysis and  wasting  of  the  muscles  on  the  left  side  of  the 
larynx  and  which  open  the  channel  for  the  air,  and  in  such 
cases  the  noise  is  only  made  in  drawing  air  in.  But  any 
obstruction  in  the  large  air- tubes  will  give  rise  to  roaring, 
heard  most  commonly  in  both  inspiration  and  expiration. 
Thus  palsy  of  tlie  nostrils,  fracture  and  depression  of  the 
bones  of  the  nose,  tumors  in  the  nose,  throat,  windpipe  or 
bronchi,  false  membranes  extending  across  the  air-passages, 
dropsical  swelling  about  the  throat,  and  in  stallions  undue 
accumulations  of  fat,  may  give  rise  to  it.  In  the  typical  form 
with  palsy  of  the  laryngeal  muscles  the  animal  grunts 
(groans)  when  led  up  to  a  wall  and  a  feint  is  made  to  strike 
him  on  the  ribs.  If  galloped  up  a  steep  hill  or  over  a  newly- 
plowed  field,  or  even  for  some  distance  on  level  ground, 
the  roaring  is  striking!}^  brought  out.  The  same  holds 
good  if  made  to  draw  a  heavy  load  or  one  with  the  wheels 
dragged. 

Treatment.  In  incipient  cases  with  simple  thickening  of 
the  mucous  membrane,  benefit  may  arise  from  swabbing  out 
tlie  larynx  with  nitrate  of  silver  solution,  as  recommended 
for  croujp^  or  firing  the  skin  over  the  throat  with  a  red-hot 
iron.  But  if  the  muscles  are  wasted  and  fatty  these  means 
will  be  fruitless,  and  we  must  look  to  mechanical  or  surgical 
measures  for  help.  Pads  attached  to  the  nose-band  of  the 
bridle,  and  so  arranged  that  they  will  lie  on  the  false  nostrils 
and  check  somewhat  the  ingress  of  air,  will  enable  many 
roarers  to  do  moderate  work  with  comparative  comfort.  In 
the  worst  cases,  in  which  the  animal  is  rendered  useless, 
tracheotomy  may  be  performed  and  the  animal  made  to 
breathe  through  a  tube  inserted  in  the  middle  of  the  neck. 
Or  finally,  the  larynx  may  be  laid  open  with  the  knife,  and 


Diseases  of  the  Hesjnratory  Organs  177 

the  flap  of  gristle  (arytenoid),  which  is  drawn  in,  valve-like, 
over  the  opening  by  the  current  of  air,  cut  off. 

Some  cases  of  roaring  due  to  feeding  on  vetches  {^La- 
iJujriis  Saliva  or  Clcera)  may  be  cured  by  changing  the 
feed,  and  giving  some  doses  of  nux  vomica.  Others  due  to 
dropsical  effusions  appear  intermittently  and  may  be  bene- 
fited by  tonics  and  iodide  of  potassium,  with  hard,  dry  feed- 
ine:  and  exercise.  Tumors  and  other  mechanical  obstructions 
must  be  removed  with  the  knife. 

Finally,  roaring  is  often  hereditary  in  horses  with  a  nar- 
row space  between  the  jaws  and  thick,  short  neck,  witli  badly 
set  on  head,  and  such  should  be  rejected  for  breeding  pur- 
poses. 

BRONCHITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  large  air-tubes  witliin  the  lungs.  It 
may  be  looked  upon  as  an  extension  downward  of  nasal  ca- 
tarrh or  sore-throat  and  frequently  supervenes  on  one  or  the 
other  of  these.  Otherwise  it  owns  the  same  general  causes 
with  these  affections.  It  may  also  attend  on  influenza, 
strangles,  contagious  pleuro-pneumonia,  distemper  in  dogs, 
tuberculosis,  and  parasitic  diseases  of  the  lungs. 

St/m/ptoms.  In  mild  cases  there  are  dullness,  impaired 
appetite,  hot  dry  mouth,  red  membrane  of  nose,  accelerated 
pulse  and  breathing,  and  a  cough  at  first  hard  but  becoming 
soft  and  rattling  as  discharge  is  established  from  tlie  nose. 
Such  may  recover  in  a  few  days  without  treatment. 

In  severe  cases  there  is  dullness,  inappetence,  hot  dry 
mouth,  increased  temperature,  rapid  pulse,  labored  breath- 
ing with  loud  blowing  sounds  over  the  lower  end  of  the  wind- 
pipe and  behind  the  middle  of  the  shoulder-blade.  The 
cough  is  dry,  hard,  sonorous,  and  painful  (barking),  often 
occurring  in  fits  and  seeming  to  come  from  the  depth  of  the 
chest.  Percussion  detects  no  change  of  resonance  at  any 
part  of  the  chest,  as  in  pneumonia.  The  membrane  of  tlie 
nose  has  a  dark  red  or  violet  hue,  varying  in  proportion  to 
the  general  implication  of  the  bronchial  tubes  and  especial- 
ly the  snuiller  .ones,  and  there  is  drowsiness  and  drooping 
of  the  head  in  the  same  ratio. 


178  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

From  the  second  to  the  fourth  day  a  whitish  discharge 
sets  in  from  the  nose,  the  cough  becomes  soft  and  rattling, 
tlie  noise  over  the  windpipe  and  behind  the  slioulder-blade 
less  harsh  and  blowing,  but  with  a  slight  rattle  from  burst- 
ing bubbles,  and  the  symptoms  of  fever  abate.  From  this 
time  improvement  dates,  and  recovery  may  be  complete  in 
two  or  tliree  weeks. 

Solipeds  stand  obstinately  throughout  the  disease,  other 
animals  may  lie.  There  is  no  tenderness  on  punching  the 
ribs,  as  in  pleurisy. 

Treatment.  Rest  in  a  warm,  dry,  airy  building,  clothe 
warmly,  bandage  the  limbs  in  cold  weather  and  give  warm 
sloppy  mashes  of  wheat  bran.  A  laxative  is  often  useful  but 
if  there  is  weakness,  small  pulse,  prostration  or  any  yellowish 
tinge  of  the  n:iucous  membranes,  is  to  be  rejected  and  warm 
water  injections  used  in  place  to  move  the  bowels.  Give 
frequent  diuretics  (nitre,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre),  anodynes 
(belladonna,  lobelia,  aconite),  and  expectorants  (liquor  am- 
monia acetatis,  oxymel  of  squill,  guaiacum,  ipecacuanha,  anti- 
mony, muriate  of  ammonia).  The  nose  should  be  frequently 
steamed,  as  if  for  strangles^  and  inhalations  of  sulphur  fumes 
mixed  with  the  air,  and  not  too  strong,  may  be  added. 
Mustard  or  other  blisters  should  be  applied  to  the  sides  of 
the  chest,  and  repeated  if  any  renewed  access  of  disease 
seems  to  demand  it.  When  fever  has  nearly  subsided  and 
there  is  left  only  a  white  discharge  from  the  nose  tonics 
should  be  used.     (See  those  recommended  for  glanders^ 

When  there  is  much  prostration  and  weakness,  stimulants 
(aromatic  ammonia,  carbonate  of  ammonia,  wine,  etc.,)  may 
be  required,  even  in  the  early  stages. 

GLANDER    HEAVES.       CHRONIC   BRONCHITIS    IN    HORSES. 

This  arises  from  the  same  causes  as  the  acute  disease  and 
often  follows  it.  It  is  characterized  by  a  frequent  weak 
wheezing,  husky,  almost  inaudible  cough,  often  occurring  in 
fits ;  a  white  discharge  from  the  nose,  with  white  fiocculi, 
like  buttermilk  ;  great  shortness  of  breath  in.  exertion  ;  and 
a  mucous  rattle  in  the  luni>:s.     Percussion  shows  increased 


Diseases  of  the  Resjpiratory  Organs.  1 79 

resonance  over  the  lower  and  posterior  borders  of  the  lungs. 
Tlie  right  side  of  tlie  heart  may  be  enlarged  and  easily  felt 
beating  behind  the  right  elbow. 

Treatment  is  not  very  satisfactory  in  cases  of  old  standing. 
Feeding  shonld  be  mainly  of  soft  mashes,  roots  and  other 
laxative  agents,  but  never  bulky.  Linseed,  oat,  barley  or  corn 
meal  may  be  given  wet  and  hay  replaced  by  corn-stalks  or 
good  fresh  grass.  Finally  give  tonics,  mainly  arsenite  of 
strychnia,  or  sulphate  of  iron  or  copper  and  tannic  acid. 
Muriate,  carbonate  or  benzoate  of  ammonia  is  often  valuable. 

ACUTE    CONGESTION    OF    THE    LUNGS    E^    HOKSES. 

This  is  always  the  first  stage  of  Pneumonia  but  may  oc- 
cur in  a  sudden  and  fatal  form  from  overexertion  in  fat  or 
otherwise  ill-conditioned  horses.  An  animal  that  has  stood 
idle  in  the  stable  or  has  been  rapidly  fattened  for  sale,  when 
taken  out  and  driven  or  ridden  at  the  top,  of  his  speed  soon 
hangs  heavily  on  the  bit,  slackens  his  speed,  and  if  not  stopped, 
staggers  and  falls ;  or  the  exertion  is  passed  through  but  the 
animal  is  seized  when  returned  to  the  stable.  He  then  stands 
with  dilated  nostrils,  quick,  labored,  convulsive,  wheezy 
breathing,  extended  head,  staring  bloodshot  eyes,  agonized 
expression,  deep  red  or  blue  nasal  membrane,  and  rapid,  weak 
pulse  often  almost  Imperceptible  at  the  jaw.  Aiiscultation 
detects  a  loud  respiratory  murmur  and  the  finest  possible 
crepitating  sound.  The  heart  is  felt  behind  the  left  elbow 
beating  tumultuously  and  the  limbs  are  cold,  though  perspira- 
tion may  break  out  at  different  parts  of  the  body.  If  blood 
is  drawn  it  flows  in  a  dark,  tarry-looking  stream  and  the 
lungs  after  death  might  be  compared  to  a  dark-red  jelly. 

Treatment.  Remove  girths,  saddles,  and  whatever  may 
hamper  breathing,  turn  the  head  to  the  wind,  give  an  active 
stimulant  (alcohol  or  alcoholic  liquors,  ammonia  or  any  of 
its  compounds,  oil  of  turpentine,  ether,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre, 
ginger,  pepper),  the  first  that  comes  to  hand,  in  a  full  dose, 
following  up  with  warm  w^ater  injections  and  active  hand- 
rubbing.  In  extreme  cases  prompt  relief  may  often  be  ob- 
tained by  bleeding  from  the  jugular,  but  this  should  not  re- 


180  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

place  the  measures  already  advised  but  should  be  added  to 
them.  All  excellent  resort  when  available  is  to  wrap  from 
head  to  tail  in  rugs  wrung  out  of  hot  water  and  cover  thickly 
with  dry  ones,  the  limbs  being  meanwhile  actively  hand- 
rubbed  to  bring  the  blood  to  this  part  of  the  skin  which  the 
rug  cannot  reach. 

If  the  patient  survives  and  does  not  at  once  entirely  re- 
cover the  case  becomes  one  oi ^neitmonia. 

PNEUMONIA.       INFLAIOIATION    OF    THE    LUNGS. 

Causes.  The  same  as  in  other  acute  diseases  of  the  chest. 
Also  the  result  of  overexertion  and  acute  congestion,  or  of 
parasites  in  the  lung.     Lobular  pneumonia  has  a  micrococcus. 

Symjptoms.  If  not  following  an  acute  congestion  as  above 
described  there  is  shivering,  more  or  less  severe  according  to 
the  gravity  of  the  attack,  and  usually  a  dry  cough.  This  is 
followed  by  hot  skin,  with  increased  temperature,  quick  but 
deep  labored  breathing  and  a  full  but  oppressed  rolling 
pulse,  redness  of  the  membranes  of  the  eye,  nose  and  mouth ; 
the  cough  is  deep  as  if  from  the  depth  of  the  chest  but  not 
so  hard  nor  so  painful  as  in  bronchitis.  The  horse  always, 
and  the  ox,  in  bad  cases,  obstinately  stands  with  legs  apart, 
elbows  turned  out,  nose  extended  and  usually  approached  to 
a  door  or  window.  In  cattle  expiration  is  generally  accom- 
panied by  a  moan.  With  the  fever  there  is  costiveness, 
high-colored,  scanty  urine,  in  cattle,  heat  of  horns  and  ears 
and  diyness  of  muzzle,  and  hide-bound.  Auscultation  de- 
tects a  very  fine  crackling  (crepitation)  over  the  aifected 
part  of  the  lung  or  there  may  be  an  area  of  no  sound  en- 
circled by  a  line  of  crepitation  and  beyond  that  by  the  nor- 
mal murmur  slightly  increased.  Or  over  the  dull  spot  the 
blowing  sounds  from  the  larger  tubes  or  the  beating  of  the 
heart  may  be  detected.  Percussion  causes  flinching  or  even 
groaning  when  the  aifected  part  is  reached  ;  the  space  where 
sound  was  wanting  in  auscultation  sounds  dull  and  solid  and 
the  remainder  of  tlie  chest  retains  its  healthy  resonance. 
There  is  no  tenderness  on  merely  pinching  the  spaces  be- 
tween the  ribs.     By  auscultation  and  percussion  the  increase 


Diseases  of  the  Resjnratory  Organs.  Isl 


or  decrease  of  solidification  {hepatization)  of  tlie  \\\\\^  may  bo 
followed  from  day  to  day  excepting  in  the  parts  covered  by 
the  thick,  muscular  shoulder.  In  this  way  aggravation  and 
improvement  can  bo  noticed.  A  yellowish  or  whitish  dis- 
charge from  the  nose  comes  on  as  the  disease  advances. 

Treatment.      Give  a  pure,  dry,  airy  box  with  windows 
or  doors  turned  to  the  su;i  or  away  from  the  direction  of 
prevailing  winds,  clothe  warmly,  a'nd  flannel-bandage   the 
limbs,  or  even  rub  them  with  ammonia  and  oil.     The  hot 
rugs   advised   for   congested   lungs    may   be    applied,    and 
when  removed  let  it  be  done  a  little  at  a  time,  and  the  part 
rubbed   dry  and  covered  by  a  dry  blanket.     Or  a  mustard 
poultice  may  be  applied  to  the  sides  of  the  chest.     Large 
injections  of  warm  water  and  drinks  of  warm  gruel  may 
also  be  given.     A  laxative  is  often  beneficial  in  the  more 
active  forms  of  the  disease,  but  should  be  given  cautiously 
as  in  bronchitis,  and  rejected  when  there  is  low  fever,  and 
much  depression.     ]\^eutral  salts  (nitre,  acetate  of  potassa, 
bicarbonate  of  soda,)  should  be  given  with  sedatives  (bella- 
donna, henbane,  tincture  of  aconite,  digitalis  or  white  helle- 
bore; in  pigs  and  dogs,  tartar  emetic),  or  if  there  is  much 
prostration,  or  when  the  fever  has  in  the  main  subsided, 
stimulant  diuretics  (sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  liquor  of  acetate 
of  ammonia,)   repeated  three  or  four  times  a  day.     The 
sides  should  be  blistered  with  a  pulp  of  the  best  ground 
mustard  in  water,  or  Spanish  flies,  or  in  cattle  and  swine, 
mustard  and  turpentine,  and  the  blister  may  be  repeated 
with  advantage  in  protracted  cases.     When  in  severe  cases 
the   blister  refuses  to  rise,  the  skin  may  be  first  warmed 
with  rugs  wrung  out  of  boiling  water  and  then  the  applica- 
tion of  the  blister  made.     Or  a  hot  shovel  held  near  the 
blistered  surface  may  determine  an  active  flow  of  blood  to 
the  skin  and  the  rising  of  the  blister.     When  well  risen  the 
surface  must  be  kept  soft  by  sweet  oil  or  fresh  lard  to  favor 
healing.     In  chickens  it  is  advised  to  open  the  bowels  by  a 
teaspoonful   of  castor-oil,   and   shake  one-twelfth  grain   of 
tartar  emetic  on  the  tongue  twice  a  day.     If  very  weak  or 
prostrate  give  a  teaspoonful  of  sherry  thrice  a  day. 


182  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

PLEUEISY.      IKFLAMMATION    OF    THE    MEMBRANE    LINING    THE 
CHEST  AND   COVERING  THE  LUNGS. 

This  is  common  in  all  domestic  animals  and  particulaiij 
in  cold,  exposed  localities,  which  suffer  at  the  same  time 
from  rheumatism.  OtherAvise  it  owns  the  general  causes 
of  chest  disease. 

Symptoms.  Shivering,  followed  by  heat  of  the  skin  and 
even  of  the  limbs,  and  partial  sweats  of  the  surface,  un- 
easy movements,  pawing  and  sometimes  looking  at  tli6 
flanks,  lying  down  and  rising.  If  one  side  of  the  chesi 
only  is  involved  that  fore  limb  is  often  advanced  in  front 
of  the  other.  The  pulse  is  rapid,  hard  and  incompressible, 
and  the  breathing  highly  characteristic.  It  is  hurried, 
carried  on  chiefly  by  the  abdominal  muscles,  and  has  the 
inspiration  short  and  suddenly  checked,  while  the  expira- 
tion is  slo^'  and  prolonged.  This  character  of  the  breath- 
ing may  be  well  observed  with  the  ear  placed  on  the  false 
nostril,  on  the  windpipe  or  on  the  side  of  the  chest. 
There  is  a  prominent  ridge  on  the  abdomen  from  the  outer 
angle  of  the  hip  bone  to  the  lower  ends  of  the  last  ribs. 
By  handling  the  spaces  between  the  ribs  a  point  is 
reached  which  is  exceedingly  tender,  the  patient  flinching 
and  even  groaning  when  it  is  touched.  The  ear  applied 
to  the  same  spot  detects  a  soft,  rubbing  sound  during  the 
movements  of  inspiration  and  expiration.  There  is  at 
fii'st  no  other  change  in  auscultation  or  percussion.  The 
animal  often  changes  his  posture  or  place  as  if  seeking 
an  easier  position,  and  emits  a  short,  hacking,  painful 
cough.  There  is  much  less  redness  of  the  nose  than  in 
pneumonia  or  bronchitis,  less  heat  of  the  expired  air  and 
no  nasal  discharge. 

In  twenty-four  to  thirty-six  hours  effusion  ensues  in 
the  cavity  of  the  chest,  the  rubbing  sound  ceases,  the 
catching  breathing  and  ridge  on  the  belly  disappear,  the 
pulse  becomes  soft,  the  anxiety  of  countenance)  passes 
away,  and  the  patient  may  begin  to  feed  as  if  well.  Bui 
8oon  the  pulse  loses  its  fullness,  and  gams  in  rapidity, 


Diseases  of  the  Bespiratory  Organs.  183 

breathing  becomes  labored  and  attended  with  a  lifting  of 
the  flank  and  loins,  the  nostrils  are  widely  dilated,  the 
nose  protruded,  the  elbows  turned  out,  the  skin  sweats, 
and  there  may  be  signs  of  imminent  suffocation.  Auscul- 
tation detects  no  sound  over  the  lower  part  of  the  chest  up 
to  a  given  horizontal  line,  and  up  to  the  same  level  there 
is  dullness  on  percussion.  This  shows  the  extent  of  wa- 
tery effusion.  The  pulse  becomes  weak,  with  a  peculiar 
thrill  at  each  beat,  the  limbs  and  lower  aspect  of  the 
chest  swell,  the  patient  moves  unsteadily  and  falls  sud- 
denly to  die. 

In  other  cases  the  effusion  is  re-absorbed  and  a  good 
recovery  is  made.  In  others  it  ceases  to  increase  but  fails 
to  be  taken  up  and  remains  as  a  cause  of  short  wind ;  it 
may  even  give  off  gases,  in  which  case  a  gurgling  sound 
may  be  heard  in  the  chest,  or  a  sound  as  of  drops  falling 
into  a  haK-empty  barrel,  after  the  patient  rises  from  the 
recumbent  position.  In  other  cases  still  there  remain 
false  membranes  attaching  the  lung  to  the  inner  sides  of 
the  ribs,  or  enveloping  the  lung  in  whole  or  in  part,  and  in 
either  case  impairing  respiration. 

Treatment.  Give  the  same  general  care  as  in  bronchitis 
and  pneumonia.  In  the  early  stages  of  chill  treat  as  for 
congested  lungs.  Later  give  a  laxative  (horse,  aloes ;  ox 
and  sheep,  Glauber  salts;  swine  and  dogs,  castor-oil,) 
following  it  up  with  neutral  salts  (nitre,  acetate  of  potassa, 
liquor  of  the  acetate  of  ammonia,)  in  fuU  doses,  and  ano- 
dynes (digitalis,  aconite).  These  may  be  used  in  the 
fuUest  doses  after  effusion  has  taken  place,  and  in  weak 
subjects  stimulants  (sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  ether,  alcoholic 
liquids,  tincture  of  gentian,)  should  be  added.  Iodide  of  po- 
tassium may  also  be  given  internally  and  tincture  of  iodine 
rubbed  on  the  chest.  If  from  exposure  use  salicylate  of 
ammonia. 

In  very  severe  cases,  a  large  linseed  poultice  may  be  applied 
over  the  chest,  or  it  may  be  shaven  and  subjected  to  dry  cup- 
ping, or  an  active  blister  may  be  applied  as  for  pneumonia. 


184  The  Farmer's  Veterinanj  Adviser. 

If  there  is  extreme  effusion  threatening  suffocation  the 
liquid  must  be  drawn  off  by  a  small  cannula  and  trocar 
(see  Tympany)  inserted  at  the  anterior  border  and  near 
the  lower  end  of  the  ninth  rib,  the  skin  having  first  been 
drawn  aside  to  form  a  valvular  wound,  and  gi'eat  care 
being  taken  to  prevent  the  entrance  of  air.  The  liquid 
should  be  dra^oi  off  only  in  part  at  first  to  avoid  shock, 
and  the  operation  repeated  in  a  day  or  two.  It  should  be 
followed  by  tonics  (sulphate  of  iron,  tincture  of  gentian,) 
stimulants  (sweet  spirits  of  nitre)  and  diuretics  (iodide  oi 
potassium). 

PLEUEO-PNEUMONIA,    BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA,    AND     BRONCHO- 
PLEURO-PNEUMONIA 

Are  common  complications  of  the  three  diseases,  hroncMtiy^ 
pneumonia  and  pleurisy  and  their  respective  symptoms 
and  treatment  may  be  inferred  from  the  description  of  the 
uncomplicated  affections. 

HYDROTHORAX.   WATER  IN  THE  CHEST. 

Beside  the  effusion  of  liquid  into  the  cavity  of  the  chest 
in  pleurisy,  dropsical  effusions  may  take  place  into  it  in 
connection  with  weak,  bloodless  conditions,  as  in  flukes  in 
the  liver y  disease  of  the  heart,  enlarged  bronchial  lym- 
phatic glands  and  other  morbid  states.  The  symptoms  re- 
semble those  of  hydrothorax  following  pleurisy,  only  there 
is  no  fever,  and  there  are  the  indications  of  those  other 
diseases  on  which  it  is  dependent.  The  treatment  is  es- 
sentially the  same  after  the  morbid  condition  which  has 
caused  the  effusion  has  been  removed.  If  that  is  incur- 
able neither  can  this  be  remedied. 

PNEUMOTHORAX.      AIR  OR  GAS  IN  THE  CHEST. 

This  often  attends  on  hydrothorax  when  the  contained 
liquid  has  undergone  some  decomposition.  More  fre- 
quently it  is  the  result  of  a  wound  penetrating  the  walls 
of  the  chest  with  its  edges  pressed  inward  so  that  they  ad- 


Diseases  of  the  Bespiratory  Organs.         185 

mit  the  air  from  without  while  the  chest  is  dilating,  but 
close  like  a  valve  when  it  is  contracting.  A  Httle  thus 
entering  with  each  breath  and  none  escaping,  the  lung 
is  soon  compressed  into  a  small  solid  mass  against  the 
lower  end  of  the  windpipe.  The  same  may  happen  from 
a  broken  rib  having  torn  the  surface  of  the  lung  even 
without  any  external  wound.  A  little  air  escaping  from 
the  lung  with  each  respiration  the  cavity  soon  becomes 
filled  and  the  lung  compressed  and  collapsed. 

Treatment  is  Limited  to  the  prevention  of  the  introduc- 
tion of  air  through  an  external  wound,  should  such  exist ; 
the  rehef  of  pain  by  opium  and  other  anod3rnes ;  the  man- 
agement of  the  resulting  pleurisy  on  ordinary  principles ; 
and  the  drawing  off  of  the  accumulated  air  by  a  needle- 
like tube  and  aspirator,  or  even  by  a  small  cannula  and 
trocar.  Spontaneous  recovery  often  takes  place,  the 
wound  being  closed  by  inflammatory  exudation  and  the 
air  absorbed.  In  cases  dependent  on  decomposition  of 
the  products,  both  gas  and  hquid  should  be  drawn  off  and 
a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid  (one  part  to  two  or  three 
hundred  water)  thrown  in,  in  small  quantity. 

ABSCESS  OF  THE  INTERCOSTAL  SPACES. 

This  occurs  especially  in  the  horse  as  a  result  of  pleu- 
risy, a  diffuse  swelling  appearing  at  some  part  of  the  walls 
of  the  chest,  tender  and  pitting  on  pressure,  and,  finally, 
Boftening  in  the  centre,  bursting  and  discharging  a  yellow- 
ish or  whitish  matter.  The  patient  should  be  well  fed, 
and  poultices  or  warm  fomentations  continuously  applied 
to  the  part  until  there  is  softening  in  the  centre,  when  it 
may  be  freely  laid  open.  Continue  to  support  the  patient 
by  nourishing  food,  stimulants  and  tonics. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  LUNG. 

This  is  mainly  a  result  of  valvular  and  other  diseases  of 
the  heart.  To  percussion  and  auscultation  it  gives  nearly 
the  same  symptoms  with  pneumonia,  but  there  is  an  entire 


186  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser, 

absence  of  fever.  The  coexisting  heart  -  disease  also 
serves  to  reveal  its  true  nature.  Its  cause  being  usually 
incurable,  it  terminates  fatally  in  the  majority  of  cases. 
Treatment  must  be  altogether  dkected  to  the  disease  of 
the  heart. 

APOPLEXY  OF  THE  LUNG. 

In  the  lower  animals  extravasation  of  blood  into  the 
substance  of  the  lung  is  usually  the  result  of  profound  al- 
terations in  that  liquid  as  in  Malignant  Anthrax,  Purjmra 
Hcemorrhagica,  Typhoid  Fever  or  Intestinal  Fever.  A  por- 
tion of  the  lung  tissue  gives  way  and  the  blood  escaping 
raises  the  membrane  covering  it  (pleura)  from  a  half  to 
three  inches  above  the  natural  level.  The  extravasation 
has  the  appearance  of  a  fine  jelly  and  often  preserves  the 
shape  of  the  pulmonary  lobules — a  cone  with  the  apex 
turned  in.  Being  usually  a  compHcation  of  another  dis 
ease,  treatment  must  be  directed  to  that  rather  than  the 
local  lesion. 

PLEURODYNIA. 

This  is  a  term  applied  to  rheumatism  of  the  muscles  be- 
tween the  ribs,  which  bears  a  strong  resemblance  to  pleu- 
risy. It  may  be  distinguished  by  the  coexistence  of  rheu- 
matism in  other  parts  and  by  the  comparative  absence  of  fe- 
ver, cough,  rubbing  sounds  and  effusion.  Treat  it  Hke 
other  forms  of  rheumatism. 

ASTHMA  IN  DOGS. 

A  spasmodical  affection  of  the  circular  muscular  fibres 
of  the  bronchial  tubes,  occurring  in  paroxysms  with  irreg- 
ular intervals  and  associated  with  corpulence  and  disordered 
digestion,  distended  or  ruptured  air-cells,  mucous  dis- 
charges from  the  air-passages  and  dilatation  of  the  right 
side  of  the  heart. 

Causes.  Usually  in  pet  dogs  pampered  with  highly  sea- 
fiAned  articles  of  food,  in  excessive  quantity,  and  deprived 


Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs.         187 

of  exercise.  A  change  of  food  or  temperature,  a  smart 
walk  or  run  or  indeed  any  exercise  will  bring  it  on. 

Symjotoms.  Corpulence  is  a  constant  condition  at  the 
outset  though  the  subject  may  be  emaciated  and  worn  out 
in  the  advanced  stages.  A  slight  cough  becomes  frequent, 
hard  and  sonorous,  with  habitually  labored  breathing  ag- 
gravated at  intervals  so  as  to  threaten  suffocation.  Then 
the  patient  stands  with  open  mouth,  pendent  tongue  and 
staring  eyeballs  panting  for  breath  and  having  his  condi- 
tion rendered  still  more  threatening  by  every  change  ol 
position  or  cause  of  excitement.  The  frequency  and  se- 
verity of  the  attacks  serve  as  a  means  of  estimating  the 
danger  of  the  patient.  In  the  intervals  between  these 
paroxysms  may  be  noticed  signs  of  indigestion,  in  a  varia- 
ble appetite,  perhaps  vomiting,  a  tumid  tympanitic  (bloated) 
abdomen,  constipation  and  piles.  The  skin  is  dry,  harsh 
and  bald  in  patches,  the  teeth  covered  with  tartar  and  the 
breath  foetid. 

Treatment.  1.  During  a  paroxysm.  Cause  to  inhale 
ether,  chloroform,  the  fumes  of  burning  stramonium  or 
of  burning  paper  which  has  been  steeped  in  a  strong  so- 
lution of  nitre  ;  or  one  or  two  teaspoonfuls  of  laudanum 
with  2  oz.  castor-oil  may  be  thrown  into  the  gut  as  an  in- 
jection. Or  if  there  is  reason  to  suspect  overloading  of 
the  stomach  shake  a  grain  of  tartar  emetic  on  the  tongue. 

2.  In  tJie  intervals  hetiveen  tJw  paroxysms.  Check  any  ex- 
istmg  bronchitis  or  pneumonia  as  advised  in  the  earlier 
pages  of  the  book,  and  restrict  to  a  very  moderate  diet  of 
oat  meal  or  corn  meal  mush,  with  skim-milk  or  buttermilk. 
Exercise  well  but  in  no  case  for  three  hours  after  feeding. 
Give  a  laxative  of  castor-oil  t\vice  a  week.  Wash  fi'e- 
quently  with  soap,  drying  afterward  by  rubbing,  and  brush 
daily.  A  daily  sedative  (stramonium,  tartar  emetic,)  is 
beneficial,  but  in  advanced  stages  and  weak  conditionSj 
vegetable  tonics  (quinia,  gentian,)  will  be  demanded 


188  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser, 

HEAVES.      BROKEN  WIND. 

This  is  closely  allied  to  asthma,  but  is  more  contimious 
in  its  symptoms,  and  less  paroxysmal. 

Causes.  Overfeeding  on  clover  hay,  sainfoin,  lucern  and 
allied  plants :  on  chaff,  cut  straw  and  other  bulky  and  in- 
nutritious  food.  In  Arabia,  in  Spain,  and  in  Cahfornia 
where  there  is  no  long  winter  feeding  on  hay,  and  in  our 
Territories  where  clover  is  not  used,  heaves  is  virtually 
unknown  ;  it  has  advanced  westward  just  in  proportion  as 
clover  hay  has  been  introduced  as  the  general  fodder  foi 
horses,  and  it  has  disaj^peared  in  England  and  New  En- 
gland in  proj^ortion  as  the  soil  has  become  clover  sick  and 
as  other  aliment  had  to  be  supplied.  The  worst  condi- 
tions are  when  a  horse  is  left  in  the  stable  for  days  and 
weeks  eating  clover  ha^^,  or  even  imperfectly  cured,  dusty 
hay  of  other  kinds,  to  the  extent  of  thirty  pounds  and  up- 
wards daily,  and  is  suddenly  taken  out  and  driven  at ,  a 
rapid  pace.  Violent  exertions  of  any  kind,  and  diseases 
of  the  lungs  are  also  potent  causes.  It  is  mainly  a  disease 
of  old  horses  but  may  attack  the  colt  of  two  years  old. 
Finally,  horses  with  small  chests  are  most  liable  and  thus 
the  disease  proves  hereditary. 

Symptoms.  There  is  a  double  lift  of  the  flank  mth  each 
expiratory  act,  there  being  first  a  falling  in  of  the  abdom- 
inal walls  and  then,  after  a  perceptible  interval,  a  rising 
of  the  posterior  part  of  the  belly  to  complete  the  emptying 
of  the  chest ;  also  a  short,  dry,  weak,  almost  inaudible 
cough,  followed  by  a  wheeze  in  the  throat,  and  occurring 
in  paroxysms  when  violently  exercised,  when  brought 
from  the  stable  into  the  cold  air,  or  after  a  drink  of  cold 
water.  The  breathing  is  accompanied  by  a  wheezing  noise 
above  aU  evident  when  the  patient  is  excited  by  work,  or 
when  the  ear  is  appKed  on  the  side  of  the  chest.  In- 
digestion is  also  a  prominent  symptom  and  manifested 
by  a  ravenous  appetite,  even  for  filthy  litter,  by  the  fre- 
quent pa.->sage  of  wind  from  the  bowels,  and  often  by 
swelliug  and  drum-like  resonance  of  the  abdomen .     When 


Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs.  189 

starting  on  a  journey  tlie  subjects  pass  dung  very  frequently 
at  first  and  after  traveling  some  distance  may  go  much 
better.  Their  muscular  systems  are  soft  and  flabby  and 
they  run  down  rapidly  in  active  work.  Frequent  aggrava- 
tions of  the  symptoms  may  be  seen  in  connection  with 
overloaded  stomach,  costiveness,  a  hot  close  stable,  a 
thick  muggy  atmosphere,  or  a  very  severe  day's  work. 

The  symptoms  may  be  temporarily  masked  or  hidden 
by  restriction  in  diet,  abstinence  from  water  and  the  use 
of  sedatives,  but  there  remains  an  unnatural  action  of  the 
nostrils,  and  a  full  diink  of  water,  and  above  all  a  free 
supply  of  water  and  hay  will  bring  back  the  symptoms  in 
all  their  intensity. 

Treatment.  Turning  out  on  natural  pastures  or  feeding 
cornstalks  or  other  laxative  food  will  relieve,  and  even 
cure  mild  and  recent  cases.  Feeding  on  dry  grain  with 
carrots,  turnips,  beets,  or  potatoes  and  a  very  limited 
supply  of  water  will  enable  many  broken-winded  horses  to 
do  a  fair  amount  of  work  in  comfort.  Hay  should  never  be 
allowed  except  at  night  and  then  only  a  handful  clean 
and  sweet.  The  bowels  must  be  kept  easy  by  laxatives 
(sulphate  of  soda  2  or  3  oz.),  the  stable  well  aired,  and 
sedatives  (digitalis,  opium,  belladonna,  hyoscyamus,  stra- 
monium, lobelia,)  used  to  relieve  the  oppression.  If  a 
white  discharge  from  the  nose  coexists  tonics  should  be 
given  as  for  chronic  bronchitis,  to  which  wild-cherry  bark 
may  be  added.  Tar  water  as  the  exclusive  driuk  is  often 
useful  and  a  course  of  carminatives  (ginger,  caraway-, 
cardamoms,  fennel,  foenugrec,)  may  be  added  with  advan- 
tage. But  nerve  tonics  and  above  all  arsenic  in  5  grain 
doses  daily,  and  contiuued  for  a  month  or  two,  are  espe- 
cially valuable. 

No  broken-winded  horse  should  have  food  or  water  for 
from  one  to  two  hours  before  going  to  work. 

BLEEDING  FROM  THE  LUNGS. 

May  occur  in  any  of  our  domestic  animals  as  a  resuli  of 


190  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

excessive  plethora,  overexertion,  disease  of  the  heart  or 
tuberculosis.  If  in  limited  quantity,  the  blood  comes  from 
the  nostrils  and  mouth  of  a  light  red  and  frothy  and  with 
coughing.  If  in  gi'eater  amount  it  may  fill  the  bronchial 
tubes  and  cause  death  suddenly  by  stiffocation  without 
much  escape  by  the  nose. 

Treatment.  When  brought  on  by  severe  exertion  per- 
fect rest  and  quiet  will  check.  Keeping  the  head  elevdied, 
cold  applied  to  the  head  and  neck,  iced  drinks  acidulated 
with  vinegar  or  mineral  acids,  are  useful.  Opium  benefits 
by  checking  the  cough,  and  in  obstinate  cases  acetate  oi 
lead,  ergot  of  rye,  matico,  tincture  of  muriate  of  ii'on,  or 
oil  of  turpentine  may  be  given  internally  three  times  a 
day.  Remove  costiveness  with  Glauber  salts  and  keep  in 
a  cool  airy  place  at  rest  for  at  least  a  fortnight. 

PARASITES  IN  THE  UPPER  AIR  PASSAGES. 

The  Grub  in  the  Head  of  Sheep  is  the  larva  of  a  small 
gadfly  (OEstrus  Ovis)  which  deposits  the  live  embryo  on  tin 

Fig.  12.  Fig.  13. 


Fig.  12 — CEstnis  ovis,  Clark.  Fig.  13 — Larva  of  ditto. 

margin  of  the  nostril,  whence  it  creeps  up  into  the  nasal  si 
nuses.  It  stays  there  during  the  winter  and  spring,  often 
proving  harmless  but  sometimes  causing  much  irritation, 
redness  of  the  nostrils,  and  a  white,  muco-purulent  dis- 
charge, with  dullness  and  stupor  fi'om  sympathetic  disease 
of  the  brain.  To  prevent  the  attacks  of  the  fly  the  sheep 
should  be  fed  salt  from  two-inch  augur  holes  bored  in  a 
log,  the  surface  of  which  is  smeared  with  tar,  so  that  they 
get  a  dressing  every  time  they  partake.     A  less  satis- 


Diseases  of  the  Bespiratory  Organs,         191 

factory  method  is  to  turn  up  a  furrow  in  the  pasture  so 
that  the  sheep  may  push  their  noses  into  the  ground  when 
attacked. 

Treatment.  Place  in  a  warm  building  to  tempt  the 
larvse  from  the  sinuses  and  introduce  snuff,  solutions  of 
salt,  vinegar  or  tobacco,  weak  solutions  of  turpentine,  etc., 
into  the  nose  to  kill  them  or  cause  their  expulsion  by  sneez- 
ing. For  such  as  remain  in  the  sinuses  the  only  success 
ful  treatment  is  to  trephine  the  bones  of  the  face  between 
the  front  of  the  eye  and  the  median  line  of  the  face,  or 
just  in  front  of  the  root  of  the  horn  should  that  be  present. 
The  sinus  is  then  to  be  syringed  out  freely  with  tepid 
water  until  the  parasites  are  washed  out. 

The  PENTASTOMA  TJENioiDES  is  a  species  of  acarus  which 


Fig.  14 — Pentastoma  Tanioides, 

lives  in  the  nasal  sinuses  of  horses  and  dogs,  and  in  the 
mesenteric  glands  of  sheep  and  other  herbivora.  If  pro- 
ductive of  much  irritation  in  the  nose  it  must  be  expelled 
by  a  current  of  water  after  trephining  the  sinus. 

PARASITES  IN  THE  LOWER  AIR  PASSAGES. 

The  most  common  are  the  different  forms  of  round 
worms  which  in  certain  animals  (lambs,  calves,  pigs, 
birds,)  may  assume  the  dimensions  of  a  plague  and  cause 
enormous  yearly  losses  to  a  country. 

The  sheep,  goat,  dromedary  and  camel  harbor  two  round 
worras  in  their  air  passages  and  lungs :  the  small  Sfran- 
gyltis  Filar  ia,  a  thread-like  worm  of  one  to  three  and  one- 


192  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

half  iucLes  long,  and  S.  Rafescens  of  considerably  gi-eater 
length.  The  calf,  horse,  ass  and  mule  have  the  Strongylus 
Micrurus  of  from  one  and  one-haK  to  three  inches  long. 
The  pig,  the  Strongylus  Elongatus  of  eight  lines  to  one 
and  one-half  inches  long.  Finally  the  bu'd  (hen,  turkey, 
pheasant,  black  stork,   mcujpie,  hooded   croio,   green   wood' 

Fig.  15. 


Fig.    15 — Strongylus  Filaria,   male,   enlarged.     When  adult,  should  be  at 
least  ten  times  the  length  for  this  thickness. 

pecker,  starling,  swift,  etc.,)  have  the  Syngamus  Trachealis, 
male  one-eighth  inch,  and  female  one-half  to  five-eighths 
inch  in  length,  always  found  united  together,  so  that  the 
male  appeais  like  a  process  from  the  neck  of  the  female. 

The  Strongyli  in  their  mature  condition  inhabit  the  air 
passages  within  the  lungs  but  they  may  be  reproduced 
either  in  or  out  of  the  body.  In  the  first  mode  the  female 
worm  creeps  into  an  air  cell  and  there  encysts  her- 
seK  and  produces  eggs  or  young  worms  already  hatched, 
or  she  dies  and  the  mjnriad  eggs,  hatching  out  amid  the 
debris,  the  young  worms  finally  migrate  into  the  adja- 
cent air  passages,  gi'ow  to  maturity  and  reproduce  their 
kind.  In  the  second  mode  the  impregnated  female  worm 
is  expeUed  by  coughing,  and  perishes  in  water  oi  in 
moist  earth  or  on  vegetables,  and  the  eggs,  escaping  from 
her  decomposing  remains,  may  lie  unhatched  for  months 
or  even  a  year,  or,  in  genial  weather,  may  rapidly  open 
and  aUow  the  escape  of  the  almost  microscopic  embryo 
worms.  These,  in  their  turn,  may  live  an  indefinite 
length  of  time  in  the  water,  or  moist  soil,  or  on  vegetables, 
and  only  begin  to  grow  to  their  mature  condition  when 
taken  in  by  a  suitable  host  with  food  or  water.  This  is 
true  of  those  of  the  sheep,  goat  and  camel,  of  that  of  the 
ox,  horse  and  ass,  and  of  that  of  the  pig.     Only  those  oi 


Diseases  of  the  Eespiratory  Organs.  193 

the  slieep,  once  introduced  into  the  system,  will  maintain 
their  place  in  the  lungs  for  the  whole  lifetime  of  the  host, 
though  no  more  young  worms  should  be  taken  in.  That 
of  the  ox,  etc.,  on  the  other  hand,  is  more  likely  to  be  ex- 
pelled, and,  therefore,  often  infests  its  host  but  for  a  lim- 
ited period. 

The  Syngamus  of  the  bird  has  probably  the  same  histor} 
out  of  the  body,  but  this  has  not  been  so  carefully  studied. 

Within  the  chest  the  Slrongyli  live  in  the  small  terminal 
air  passages  in  their  young  or  embryo  state,  in  the  larger 
air  tubes  when  mature,  and  in  cysts  in  the  lung  substance 
when  laying  their  eggs  or  when  about  to  die  that  the  eggs 
may  be  set  free  and  hatched.  In  the  air  passages  they 
give  rise  to  bronchitis,  in  the  lungs  to  pneumonia  and 
deposits  resembling  tubercles  but  distinguishable  under 
the  microscope  by  the  presence  of  the  eUij)tical  eggs  and 
the  embryo  worms. 

The  Syngamus  of  birds  inhabits  the  air  passages  and 
gives  rise  to  bronchitis. 

In  all  cases  the  parasites  are  most  fatal  to  the  young. 
Although  old  animals  continue  to  harbor  them  they  prove 
much  less  destructive  and  are  often  unsuspected. 

SYMPTOMS  IN  CALVES  AND  FOALS.   VERMINOUS  BRONCHITIS. 
HOOSE.   HUSK. 

These  are  essentially  those  of  bronchitis,  with  the  dif- 
ference that  the  whole  herd  is  affected  and  mucus 
coughed  up,  containing  worms  either  singly  or  rolled  up 
in  bundles.  There  is  at  first  only  a  slight  rather  husky 
cough  repeated  at  irregular  intervals.  There  follows  dry 
staring  coat,  embarrassed  breathing  and  advancing  ema- 
ciation. Soon  the  cough  becomes  frequent,  paroxysmal 
and  suffocating,  with  expectoration  of  mucus  and  worms. 
Or  the  cough  is  soft,  loose  and  wheezing,  and  the  patient 
is  weak,  hide-bound,  with  sunken  eyes  and  pale,  thin  or 
puffy  membranes,  dropsical  swellings  beneath  the  jaws, 
chest  or  beUy,  and  no  appetite  ;  the  sufferer  ma}^  be  found 
1:5 


194  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

apart  from  its  fellows  in  a  corner  or  under  a  tree,  covered 
with  flies  and  sinking  rapidly  into  extreme  debility  and 
death.  Intestinal  worms  (in  cattle,  Strongylus  Radiatus, 
Sderostomum  Hypostomum,  Ascaris  Lumhricoides^  Tcenie 
Expansa,  etc.,  in  foals,  Sderostomum  Eqinniim,  S.  Tetra- 
canthum,  Ascaris  Megalocephala,  Oxyuris  Curvula^  etc.,) 
usually  coexist  to  a  most  injurious  extent,  causing  diar- 
rhoea and  other  irregularities  of  the  bowels. 

In  the  worst  cases  death  may  result  ten  or  fifteen  days 
after  the  onset,  though  more  commonly  it  is  delayed  two 
or  three  months  and  recovery  may  take  place. 

Prevention.  In  localities  and  countries  to  which  the 
disease  is  new  the  parasites  should  be  kiUed  out  by  the 
continuous  medical  treatment  of  the  diseased  animals,  or 
if  necessary  their  destruction,  and  the  separation  of  all 
horses,  asses,  mules  and  cattle,  from  the  infested  pastui-e 
or  its  vicinity  and  from  any  stream  of  water  running 
through  or  close  to  it ;  as  well  as  from  all  fodder,  roots, 
grain,  etc.,  grown  on  such  land,  for  several  years  after. 
In  infested  locahties  calves  and  foals  should  never  be 
pastured  on  land  recently  occupied  by  older  stock  of  the 
same  kind  or  allowed  access  to  water  used  by  such  stock. 
Sheep,  goats  or  pigs  may  be  safely  fed  on  such  land. 
Avoid  overstocking.  Drain  the  land  to  clear  off  pools  or 
wet  spots.  Keep  the  young  stock  from  infested  or  sus- 
pected pastures  while  wet  with  dew  and  rain,  and  from 
clover  and  allied  plants  which  by  their  moisture  are  liable 
to  harbor  the  worm.  Suspected  beasts  should  be  kept 
apart  from  the  healthy  and  from  healthy  pastures  until 
subjected  to  thorough  and  continuous  treatment.  The 
carcasses  of  the  dead  should  be  very  deeply  buried,  or 
better,  the  lungs  and  windpipe  removed  and  burned  to 
ashes.  All  exposed  animals  should  be  weU  fed  on  a  diet 
including  dry  gi'ain,  and  should  be  allowed  salt  to  Hck  at 
will,  this  being  destructive  to  the  young  worms. 

Treatment.  Feed  liberally  on  linseed  cake,  rape  cake, 
cotton  cake,  roots,  maize,  oats,  beans  or  other  sound  nu- 


Diseases  of  the  Respiratory  Organs.         195 

tritious  diet  to  which  may  be  added  a  mixture  in  equal 
parts  of  sulphate  of  iron,  gentian  and  ginger,  in  proportion 
of  four  ounces  to  every  ten  calves  of  three  months.  To 
destroy  the  intestinal  worms,  give  every  morning,  fasting, 
a  tablespoonful  of  table  salt  or  an  equal  amount  of  oil  of 
turpentine  shaken  up  with  milk.  For  the  lung  parasites, 
place  the  affected  animals  in  a  close  building  and  burn 
pinch  after  pinch  of  flowers  of  sulphur  on  a  piece  of  pa- 
per laid  on  an  iron  shovel,  until  the  air  is  as  much  charged 
with  the  fumes  as  they  can  bear  without  coughing  vio- 
lently. The  administrator  must  stay  with  them  in  the 
building  to  avoid  accidents  and  keep  up  the  application 
for  haK  an  hour  at  a  time.  It  should  be  repeated  several 
days  in  succession,  and  at  intervals  of  a  week  for  several 
weeks,  so  as  to  kill  the  young  worms  as  they  are  hatched 
out  in  successive  broods,  and  not  until  all  cough  and  ex- 
citement of  breathing  have  passed  should  the  animal  be 
considered  as  safe  to  mix  with  others  or  to  go  on  a  healthy 
pasture. 

SYMPTOMS  IN  SHEEP,  GOAT  AND  CAMEL.    VERMINOUS  BRONCHITIS. 

These  are  the  exact  counterpart  of  those  in  the  calf. 
There  is  a  short,  dry,  sonorous  cough,  with  a  frothy  dis- 
charge from  the  nose  containing  worms  or  their  eggs,  loss 
of  appetite,  rapid  wasting,  diarrhoea,  shedding  or  drying 
and  flattening  of  the  wool,  excessive  thirst  and  irregular 
or  depraved  appetite,  there  being  a  disposition  to  eat 
earth.  In  the  advanced  stages  the  cough  becomes  very 
harassing  and  death  may  ensue  from  suffocation.  Intes- 
tinal parasites  (Strongylus  ConiortuSj  S.  BadiatiiSy  S.  Fill- 
colis,  Sderostomum  Hypostomum,  Taenia  Expansa,  and  per- 
haps Sderostomum  DuodendUi,)  are  even  more  numerous 
and  injurious  than  in  calves. 

Prevention.  All  the  measures  advised  for  the  disease  in 
calves  will  apply  equally  weU  here,  with  this  proviso,  that 
the  parasites  only  affect  sheep,  goat,  dromedary  and  camel, 
so  that  they  only  must  be  kept  apart,  while  infested  past- 


106  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ures  may  be  safely  grazed  by  cattle,  horses,  asses  ot 
mules.  Nathusius  obviated  the  attacks  by  keeping  the 
early  lambs  in  sheds  and  boxes  Tintil  May,  and  the  late 
ones  until  autumn,  and  by  feeding  in  the  same  places  on 
roots  and  hay  in  wet  weather.  Abundant  dry  feeding  and 
a  free  access  to  salt  are  especially  desirable. 

Treatment.  This  is  precisely  the  same  as  for  calves. 
The  tonic  mixture  (iron,  ginger  and  gentian,)  may  be  giv- 
en to  the  extent  of  two  ounces  to  every  ten  three  months 
lambs  daily.  For  the  intestinal  parasites,  a  teaspoonful 
each  of  salt  and  oil  of  turpentine  may  be  given  in  milk 
every  second  day,  before  eating  if  possible.  Fumigate 
precisely  as  for  the  caK. 

SYMPTOMS  OF  VERMINOUS  BRONCHITIS  IN  PIGS. 

Rayer  and  Bellingham  supposed  these  parasites  to  be 
harmless  to  pigs,  but  my  experience  agrees  with  that  of 
Deguileme,  that  they  will  accumulate  in  such  numbers  as 
to  cause  bronchitis  and  death.  The  symptoms  are  essen- 
tially the  same  as  in  other  animals — the  coughing  up  of 
worms  and  eggs  being  the  only  rehable  evidence  of  the 
disease. 

Frtwentton  and  treatment  are  essentially  the  same  as  for 
lambs  and  calves. 

SYMPTOMS  IN  BIRDS.      GAPES. 

Young  turkeys  or  chickens  a  few  days  old  frequently 
open  the  mouth  wide  and  gasp  for  breath,  sneeze  and 
make  efforts  at  swallowing.  These  movements  become 
more  constant  and  severe,  breathing  is  oppressed  and 
wheezing,  and  the  little  patients  grow  languid  and  dispir- 
ited, droop  and  die.  It  is  especially  prevalent  on  old-es- 
tablished farms  with  large  flocks  of  fowls. 

Treatment.  The  worms  may  be  partly  removed  by  a 
feather  stripped  of  all  its  plumes  except  at  the  tip,  or  still 
better  by  a  horse-hair  twisted  up  so  as  to  have  a  very  fine 
loop.     The  mouth  being  opened  the  feather  or  hair  is 


Diseases  of  the  Bespiratory  Organs.        197 

passed  into  the  opening  seen  in  the  middle  of  the  tongue,, 
pushed  to  the  lower  end  of  the  windpipe,  turned  round 
several  times  and  withdrawn,  when  a  few  worms  will  bo 
found  attached.  It  may  be  repeated  at  intervals  and  is 
still  more  effectual  if  the  instrument  is  first  dipped  in  oil, 
salt  water,  or  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  tobacco  or 
sulphurous  acid.  The  treatment  is  only  partially  success- 
ful as  it  fails  to  remove  worms  lodged  in  the  bronchial 
tubes  or  air  sacs.  Cobbold  made  an  incision  in  the  wind- 
pipe and  extracted  the  worms  with  forceps,  while  Eartlett 
succeeds  with  turpentine  (or,  better,  camphorated   spirit) 


Fig.   i6 — Syngamus  Trachealis.     Gape-worm,  nat.  size,  and  enlarged. 

smeared  on  the  neck  and  which  is  of  course  inhaled.  A 
removal  from  the  contaminated  ground,  the  supply  of  pure 
water  (boiled  if  necessary)  and  an  abundance  of  nourishing 
diet  are  essential  elements  of  treatment. 

Prevention.  Bum  all  the  worms  extracted  from  the  air 
passages.  Keep  fowls  fi'om  ground  and  houses  which  are 
known  to  be  infested,  until  they  have  been  soaked  in  a 
strong  solution  of  salt  or  with  crude  carbolic  acid  or  pe- 
troleum. Suspected  water  must  be  withheld  or  boiled. 
A-void  all  green  food  from  an  infested  locality.  The  car- 
casses of  the  dead  must  be  burned.  Young  fowls  may  be 
raised  safely  indoors  on  the  worst  infested  farms. 


.  CHAPTER  VII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  HEAET. 

Frequency  in  different  animals.  General  symptoms.  Palpitation,  thumps 
Displacement  of  the  heart.  Cyanosis.  Enlargement,  hypertrophy.  Wast 
mg,  atrophy.  Dilatation.  Pericarditis,  inflammation  of  the  heart-sac.  En 
docarditis,  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  heart.  Carditis,  in 
flammation  of  the  structure  of  the  heart.  Chronic  disease  of  the  valves 
Fatty  degeneration  of  the  heart.  Tumors  and  parasites  of  the  heart.  Rupt 
are  of  the  heart. 

These  are  much  more  common  in  domestic  animals  than 
is  generally  supposed.  Though  protected  in  animals  from 
the  strain  consequent  on  the  upright  position  of  man  and 
excessive  mental  efforts,  the  heart  suffers  from  the  severe 
physical  exertions  of  dogs  and  horses  and  in  all  animals 
from  its  contiguity  to  diseased  lungs  and  pleurae,  from  the 
increased  force  necessary  to  propel  the  blood  through  the 
lungs  or  general  circulation  when  disease  offers  mechan- 
ical obstructions,  and  above  all  from  the  settling  of  rheu- 
matism on  its  valves  and  other  fibrous  textures.  Dairy 
cows  suffer  greatly  from  pins,  needles  and  other  sharp- 
pointed  bodies  swallowed  with  the  food  and  afterward  di- 
rected toward  the  heart  by  its  movements.  High-bred 
oxen,  sheep,  pigs  and  even  pampered  horses  are  very  sub- 
ject to  fatty  degeneration  of  the  muscular  substance  of  the 
heart  and  consequent  dilatation  of  its  cavities. 

GENERAL  SYMPTOMS  OF  HEART-DISEASE. 

1.  The  pulse  in  full  grown  animals  at  rest  may  be  set 
lown  as  follows  per  minute  : — horse  36  to  46  ;  ox  38  to  42. 
»  in  a  hot  building  or  with  full  paunch,  70 ;  sheep,  goal 


Diseases  of  the  Heart  199 

and  pig  70  to  80 ;  dog  80  to  100 ;  cat  120  to  140 ;  goose 
110 ;  pigeon  136 ;  chicken  140.  In  old  age  it  may  be  five 
less  in  large  quadrupeds  and  twenty  or  thirty  in  small 
ones.  Youth  and  small  size  imply  a  greater  rapidity : 
The  new-born  foal  has  a  pulse  three  times  as  frequent  as 
the  horse,  the  six-months  colt  double  and  the  two-year 
old  one  and  a  quarter.  It  is  increased  by  hot,  close  build- 
ings, exertion,  fear,  a  nervous  temj^erament  and  pregnancy. 
In  large  quadrupeds  there  is  a  monthly  increase  of  four  to 
five  beats  per  minute  after  the  sixth  month.  Independently 
of  such  conditions  a  rapid  pulse  implies  fever,  inflamma- 
tion or  debility.^  The  force  of  the  pulse  varies  in  the  dif- 
ferent species  in  health,  thus  it  is  full  and  moderately  tense 
in  the  horse ;  smaller  and  harder  in  the  ass  and  mule ; 
full,  soft  and  rolling  in  the  ox  ;  small  and  quick  in  sheep  ; 
firm  and  hard  in  swine  ;  and  firm  and  with  a  sharp  (quick) 
beat  in  dogs  and  cats.  In  disease  it  may  become  more/>r- 
quenty  shiVj  quick  (with  sharp  impulse),  tardy  (with  slow, 
rolling  movement),  full,  strong,  weak,  small  (when  thread- 
like but  quite  distinct),  har'd  (when  with  jarring  sensation), 
soft  (when  the  opposite),  oppressed  (when  the  artery  is  full 
and  tense  but  the  impulse  jerking  and  difficult  as  if  the 
flow  were  obstructed),  jerking  and  receding  (when  with 
empty,  flaccid  vessel  it  seems  to  leap  forward  at  each  beat), 
intermittent  (when  a  beat  is  missed  at  regular  intervals), 
unequal  (when  some  beats  are  strong  and  others  weak),  ir- 
regular (when  without  any  distinct  intermission  for  a  pe- 
riod equal  to  an  entire  beat  the  intervals  between  success- 
ive beats  vary  in  length).  Beside  these  a  peculiar  tliril} 
is  usually  felt  with  each  beat  in  very  weak,  bloodless 
states. 


*  The  pulse  may  be  felt  wherever  a  considerable  artery  passes  over  a  super 
ficial  bone  :  thus  on  the  cord  felt  running  across  the  border  of  the  lower  jr 
just  in  front  of  its  curved  portion  :  beneath  the  bony  ridge  which  extends  u])- 
ward  from  the  eye :  in  horses  inside  the  elbow  :  in  cattle  over  the  middle  of 
the  first  rib  or  beneath  the  tail :  in  dogs  in  a  groove  running  down  the  inne 
side  of  the  thigh. 


aw 


200  The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Adviser, 

Of  these  the  jerking,  intermittent,  unequal  and  irregular 
pulses  are  especially  indicative  of  heart-disease.  The 
jerking  pulse  is  associated  with  disease  of  the  valves  at 
the  commencement  of  the  great  aorta  which  carries  blood 
fi'om  the  left  side  of  the  heart,  and  is  accompanied  by  a 
liissing  or  sighing  noise  with  the  second  heart  sound. 
The  intermittent  pulse  implies  functional  derangement  of 
the  heart  but  not  necessarily  disease  of  structure.  The 
nnequal  and  irregular  pulse  is  met  in  cases  of  fatty  degen- 
eration, disease  of  the  valves  on  the  left  side,  cardiac  dila- 
tation, etc.  A  retarded  pulse  in  which  the  beat  of  heart 
and  pulse  follow  each  other  with  a  perceptible  interval 
impHes  imperfect  closure  of  the  valves  at  the  commence- 
ment of  the  aorta,  or  an  aneurism  on  the  aorta.  A  venous 
pulse  seen  in  the  jugular  veins  in  the  furrow  near  the 
lower  border  of  the  neck  attends  imperfect  valves  between 
the  auricle  and  ventricle  on  the  right  side  of  the  heart,  or 
congested  lungs  but  may  exist  in  health. 

Palpation.  The  application  of  the  hand  over  the  chest 
behind  the  left  elbow  will  detect  any  violent  and  tumultu- 
ous beating,  irregularity  in  the  force  of  successive  beats,  etc. 

Auscultation,  The  ear  appKed  to  the  same  part  will 
detect  a  shght  rubbing  sound  with  each  heart-beat  in  the 
early  stages  of  pericarditis.  It  will  also  detect  any  mod- 
ification of  the  heart  sounds.  In  health  each  beat  of  the 
heart  is  characterized  by  two  distmct  successive  sounds, 
the  first  somewhat  dull  and  prolonged,  the  second  short, 
sharp  and  abrupt.  The  first  sound  is  simultaneous  with 
the  contraction  and  emptying  of  the  ventricles,  the  closure 
of  the  valves  between  the  ventricles  and  auricles  and  the 
flow  of  blood  into  the  arteries.  The  second  corresponds 
to  the  completion  of  these  acts,  the  recoil  of  l)lood  in  the 
arteries  and  the  closure  of  the  valves  between  them  and 
the  heart.  The  following  table  will  show  the  significance 
of  the  various  superadded  soimds  (blowing,  sighing,  purr- 
ing  or  hissing  murmurs,)  to  any  one  who  wiU  acquaiiil 
himseK  with  the  course  of  blood  through  the  heart : 


Diseases  of  the  Heart. 


201 


BLOWING.   HEAET  SOUNDS. 

Narrowing  of  the 
auriculo  -  ventricular 
orifice.  Clots  or 
growths  on  the 
valves. 

Strongest  toward  thi  base  of  r  Narrowing  of  the 
the  heart.  Heard  along  the  <  opening  of  the  aorta, 
larce  arteries.  I 


Blowing  murmur 
before  the  first 
sound. 


Blowing    murmur 
«»rith  the  first  sound. 


Narrowing  of  the 
pulmonary  artery,  or 


Strongest  toward  the  left  of    ^ 
the  heart.     Not  heard  over  the  <  imperfect  action  of 
great  arteries.  the  auriculo-ventric- 

ular  valves. 

Blowing  murmur  /  Double  rushing  sound  heard  r  Imperfect  action 
with  the  second  <!  over  the  great  arteries  at  each<^  of  the  valves  at  the 
sound.  I  heart  beat.  I  opening  of  the  aorta. 

Blowing    murmur  r  Double   rushing  sound  in   the  r     Aneurism  (dilata- 
after      the      second^  arteries  with  each  beat  of  the^  tion)  of  the  aorta, 
sound.  V.  heart.  I 

Besides  these  the  second  sound  may  be  doubled  in  hy- 
pertrophy of  one  ventricle  of  the  heart. 

The  sounds  are  like  whispered  ivJio,  aive,  55,  or  r,  very 
low  but  exceedingly  characteristic. 

Other  Symptoms.  Besides  the  fever  attendant  on  in- 
flammatory affections  there  are  characteristic  phenomena 
present  in  the  chronic  form  of  heart-disease.  These  are 
shown  at  rest  or  only  developed  under  exercise.  There  are 
habitually  cold  extremities,  dropsies  in  the  limbs,  and  be- 
neath and  within  the  chest  and  abdomen,  dijfficult  breath- 
ing especially  during  exertion,  unsteady  gait  when  hurried, 
vertigo,  partial  paralysis  or  cramps  of  the  limbs.  In  most 
cases  there  is  sluggishness,  dullness  and  a  tendency  to  lay 
on  fat.  Patients  may  be  lively  when  at  rest,  but  flag  at 
work  and  are  hable  to  sudden  fainting  or  death. 


PALPITATION.      THUMPS. 

This  is  sudden  violent  convulsive  beating  of  the  heart 
not  connected  with  structural  disease.  Palpitations  also 
accompany  most  acute  diseases  of  the  heart.  The  func- 
tional disorder  comes  on  very  abruptly,  usually  undei 


202  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 


some  excitement,  has  perfect  intermissions,  is  manifested 
by  abrupt  knocking  and  visible  jerking  of  the  abdomen 
with  the  heart-beats,  by  regularity  in  force  and  intervals 
of  successive  beats,  and  by  the  absence  of  redness  of  the 
mucous  membranes,  abnormal  sounds  of  the  heart  and 
dropsy  of  the  limbs.  K  connected  with  structural  heart 
dibcase  it  comes  on  more  slowly,  is  constant  though  ag- 
gravated at  intervals,  mtli  a  heavy,  prolonged  or  irregular 
and  imequal  impulse  of  the  heart,  with  red  mucous  mem- 
branes and  dropsy  of  the  limbs.  The  first  form  is  bene- 
fited by  gentle  exercise,  stimulants  and  tonics,  the  latter 
aggi-avated  by  them.  Some  excitable  horses  and  dogs 
suffer  under  any  cause  of  fear,  and  pigs  as  a  result  of 
many  acute  diseases,  (inflammations,  intestinal  worms,  etc.) 
Treatment.  Quiet,  avoidance  of  all  excitement,  and 
sedatives  (digitalis)  thrice  a  day  will  usually  arrest.  Then 
the  weak  excitable  condition  should  be  overcome  by  exer- 
cise, tonics  and  substantial  feeding.  In  structural  dis- 
eases these  must  be  attended  to  as  well. 

DISPLACEMENTS  OF  THE  HEAKT. 

These  are  not  very  infi-equent  in  the  newly-born,  the 
heart  being  sometimes  lodged  altogether  out  of  the  chest. 
There  is  no  remedy. 

COMMUNICATION  BETWEEN  THE  TWO  AURICLES.      CYANOSIS. 

This  is  the  natural  condition  before  birth,  but  some- 
times the  directing  of  the  blood  thi'ough  the  lungs  fails  to 
secure  its  closure,  or  some  obstruction  to  the  circulation 
in  these  organs  (tuberculosis,  congestion,  etc.,)  leads  to 
its  reopening  and  the  arterial  and  venous  blood  mix.  The 
blood  being  equally  unfit  for  nutrition  and  the  mainte- 
nance of  animal  heat,  there  is  surface  coldness,  staring 
coat,  puny  growth,  blue  mucous  membranes,  and  op- 
pressed breathing  and  irregular  heart's  action  when  sub- 
jected to  exertion.  A  murmur  usually  precedes  the  first 
lieart  sound.      The  subjects  die  young  or  prove  worthies^ 


Diseases  of  the  Heart.  208 


when  mature.     Nothing  can  be  done  to  remedy  unless  the 
disease  is  due  to  some  remediable  affection  of  the  lunccs. 


"O^ 


ENIARGEMENT  (HYPERTROPHY)  OF  THE  HEART. 

This  is  a  simple  increase  of  the  muscular  substance  and 
may  be  confined  to  one  side  of  the  heart  or  to  one  ventri- 
cle. It  is  usually  caused  by  some  obstruction  to  the  cir- 
culation through  the  arteries,  or  in  horses  or  dogs  by  ha- 
bitual violent  work. 

Symptoms.  The  heart's  beats  are  more  forcible  and 
prolonged  and  the  interval  of  silence  shortened  ;  the  pulse 
is  full  and  rolling ;  the  first  sound  is  low,  muffled  and  pro- 
longed, the  second  sound  unnaturally  loud,  and  sometimes 
repeated  if  one  ventricle  only  is  affected ;  the  heart  sounds 
may  be  heard  over  an  unusually  large  area,  the  lungs  be- 
ing sound,  and  the  dullness  on  percussion  is  equally  ex- 
tended. The  pulse  is  usually  regular  and  if  excited  to  ir- 
regularity or  intermission  soon  returns  to  its  normal  stand- 
ard if  the  patient  is  left  at  rest. 

Pure  hypertrophy  rarely  implies  imminent  danger  and 
many  hard-worked  horses  survive  to  an  old  age  with 
greatly  enlarged  hearts.  But  if  associated  with  dilatation, 
impaired  strength,  livid  mucous  membranes,  blowing  mur- 
murs with  the  first  heart  sound,  and  paroxysms  of  difii- 
cult  breathing  it  may  prove  fatal  at  any  time. 

Treatment.  If  possible  remove  the  obstacle  to  the  cir- 
culation. Then  adopt  a  restricted,  gently  laxative  diet, 
perfect  rest  in  fattening  animals  or  only  light  work  in 
horses,  and  the  daily  use  of  digitaUs  or  aconite,  unless 
there  is  extreme  dilatation.  Arsenic  is  also  given  with 
benefit,  but  in  advanced  cases,  or  those  due  to  irremedi- 
able obstruction,  no  treatment  is  of  any  avail. 

WASTING  (atrophy)   OF  THE  HEART. 

This  is  much  less  frequent  than  hypertrophy.  It  may 
be  due  to  compression  of  the  heart  and  its  nutrient  vessels 
by  effusion  into  the  pericardium,  or  the  formation  of  false 


204  Tlie  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

membranes,  or  it  may  coexist  with  a  general  wasting  ana 
imperfect  nutrition  of  the  body. 

The  Sy?nptoms  are  the  opposite  of  those  of  hypertrophy. 
There  are  the  general  signs  of  chronic  heart-disease,  but 
percussion  which  gives  satisfactory  results  only  over  the 
breast-bone  and  in  carnivora  gives  almost  the  sole  reliable 
symptom — a  decreased  area  of  dullness.  Little  can  be 
done  to  reheve,  and  that  little  directed  to  the  removal  of 
its  causes.  By  keeping  fattening  animals  quiet  they  may 
be  preserved  for  slaughter. 

DILATATION  OF  THE  HEAET. 

This  like  h}^ertrophy  usually  results  from  some  ob- 
struction to  the  circulation,  but  especially  from  a  sydden 
extreme  obstruction,  whereas  hypertrophy  results  from  a 
slowly  increasing  obstacle.  It  is  also  exceedingly  common 
in  cases  of  fatty  degeneration  in  overfed  stock  (cattle, 
sheei^,  pigs). 

Symptoms.  Loss  of  appetite,  spirit  and  endurance, 
faintness  and  difficulty  of  breathing  on  the  slightest  exer- 
tion, habitual  coldness  of  the  limbs,  dropsy,  unsteady 
gait,  venous  pulse,  palpitations,  weak  tremulous  heart 
impulse,  murmur  with  the  first  sound,  small  weak  irregu- 
ular  and  often  intermittent  pulse,  and  Hvidity  of  the 
membrane  of  the  nose. 

Treatment.  Unless  the  causes  can  be  put  a  stop  to  in 
the  early  stages  no  treatment  will  be  satisfactory.  Ar- 
senic is  sometimes  useful  in  horses.  Fattening  animals 
should  be  kept  very  quiet  and  their  progress  hastened  if 
possible. 

PERICARDITIS. 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  fibrous  covering  of  the 
heart  and  its  reflection  on  the  pleurae,  and  is  due  to  similar 
causes  with  diseases  of  the  lungs.  It  is  also  induced  by 
influenza,  pleuro-pneumonia,  rheumatism,  and  wounds 
with  sharp-pointed  bodies  (pins^  needles,  nails,  broken 
ribs,  etc.) 


Diseases  of  the  Heart.  205 


Symptoms.  General  fever,  staring  coat,  hot  dry  mouth 
(muzzle,  snout,)  dilated  nostrils,  excited,  difficult  breath- 
ing, double  hfting  of  the  flank  with  each  exj^iration,  the 
formation  of  a  ridge  on  the  abdomen  as  in  pleurisy,  ten- 
derness when  pinched  or  percussed  behind  the  left  elbow 
(in  ruminants  and  small  quadrupeds  over  the  breast-bone), 
a  rubbing  sound  with  each  beat  of  the  heart  and  the  im- 
pulse of  the  heart  strong.  Soon,  efiusion  takes  place,  the 
rubbmg  sound  is  lost,  the  impulse  of  the  heart  and  its 
sounds  are  weakened  and  the  area  of  dullness  in  percussion 
is  increased.  This  dullness  does  not  maintain  a  horizontal 
line  along  the  chest  as  in  hydrothorax,  but  is  like  an  in- 
verted cone  and  changes  its  position  with  a  change  of  pos- 
ture which  is  easily  effected  in  small  animals.  Difficulty 
and  oppression  of  breathing,  protruded  nose,  staring  eye- 
balls, pinched,  haggard  countenance,  venous  pulse  and 
obstinate  standing  mark  the  advanced  stages.  Dropsies 
of  the  Hmbs  and  other  dependent  parts  are  also  frequent. 
A  painful  cough  is  sometimes  though  not  constantly  pres- 
ent throughout  the  disease.  Death  may  ensue  in  five 
days  to  three  weeks,  or  the  disease  may  become  chronic 
or  end  in  recovery. 

The  chronic  form  is  seen  in  the  ox  without  any  preced- 
ing acute  attack.  There  is  shght  fever,  oppressed  breath- 
ing aggravated  by  exertion,  weak,  irregular,  mtermittent 
pulse,  distant  heart  sounds,  absence  of  respiratory  mur- 
mur, dullness  on  percussion  over  an  increased,  cone-hke 
area  behind  the  left  elbow,  venous  pulse  and  general 
dropsy. 

Treatment.  In  the  preliminary  shivermg,  treat  as  for 
congested  lungs.  Later,  bleedmg  may  sometimes  be  ben- 
eficial  in  strong  subjects  by  reHeving  extreme  difficulty  of 
breathing  and  high  nervous  excitement.  Usually  it  would 
be  injurious.  Give  a  purgative  (horse,  aloes;  ox  and 
sheep,  Glauber  salts ;  dog  and  pig,  castor-oil )  foment  the 
walls  of  the  chest  and  envelop  in  a  large  mustard  poultice 
until  the  bkin  is  well  thickened,  moderate  the  heart's  ac- 


206  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tion  by  digitalis  four  times  a  day  and  follow  the  action  ol 
the  purgative  by  diuretics  (nitre,  acetate  of  potassa,  etc.) 
Ointment  or  tincture  of  iodine  may  be  applied  to  the  walls 
of  the  chest.  In  cases  of  extreme  danger  from  effusion 
the  liquid  should  be  drawn  off  with  cannula  and  trocar 
or  needle-like  tube,  as  in  hydrothorax,  the  puncture  in  the 
horse  or  ox  being  made  between  the  cartilages  of  the  fifth 
and  sixth  ribs. 

In  case  of  rheumatic  complication  use  alkalies,  colchi- 
cum,  acetate  of  potassa  and  other  agents  advised  for  rheu- 
matism. 

ENDOCARDITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  serous  membrane  lining  the  cham- 
bers and  covering  the  valves  of  the  heart. 

Causes.  Inflammation  of  the  valves  in  connection  with 
undue  strain  in  severe  exertions  or  obstructions  to  the  flow 
of  blood,  the  rheumatic  constitution  or  certain  other  un- 
healthy states  of  the  blood. 

Symptomis.  The  general  symptoms  resemble  those  of 
pericarditis.  There  are  besides,  violent  but  unequal  im- 
pulse of  the  heart  against  the  left  side,  accompanied  by  a 
metallic  tinkling,  a  blowing  murmur  with  the  first,  or  even 
the  second  sound,  as  soon  as  the  contraction  of  the  valves, 
or  the  clots  formed  on  them,  render  them  insufficient  to 
close  the  orifices,  and,  if  the  disease  exists  on  the  right 
side  of  the  heart,  venous  pulse,  general  venous  congestion 
and  dropsical  swellings.  The  pulse,  at  first  strong  and 
sharp,  becomes  weak  with  the  imperfection  of  the  valves, 
in  marked  contrast  with  the  continued  strong  impulse  of 
the  heart.  The  patient  may  perish  from  obstruction  to 
the  heart's  action  by  clots  on  the  valves,  or  from  such 
clots  carried  on  with  the  circulation  and  blocking  arteries 
at  a  distance ;  or  diseases  of  other  organs  may  supervene 
from  the  latter  cause,  or  a  recovery  may  take  place  with 
or  without  permanent  alterations  which  render  the  valves 
unable  to  close  their  respective  orifices. 


Diseases  of  the  Heart  207 

Treatment  is  in  the  main  the  same  as  for  pericarditis, 
rest,  laxatives,  sedatives  and  blisters  being  mainly  reUed 
upon.  As  there  is  less  danger  from  effusion  diuretics  need 
not  be  pushed  to  the  same  extent.  In  rheumatic  cases, 
adopt  antirheumatic  treatment,  and  in  case  of  clots  on 
the  valves  use  iodide  of  potassium  and  alkalies. 

CARDITIS. 

Inflammation  of  the  muscular  substance  of  the  heart 
can  only  take  place  to  a  limited  extent  in  connection 
with  endocarditis  and  pericarditis,  or  with  punctures  from 
sharp  bodies  and  the  Hke.  Were  the  entii'e  organ  involved 
death  would  be  prompt.  The  symptoms  are  those  of  acute 
heart-disease  generally,  modified  by  the  exact  seat  of  the 
injury,  and  treatment  need  not  differ  materially  from  that 
adapted  to  the  two  diseases  just  described. 

CHRONIC  VALVULAR  DISEASE. 

"With  the  general  symptoms  of  chronic  heart-disease, 
there  are  blowing  murmurs  as  described  in  the  table  under 
auscultation  of  the  heart.  This  is  a  very  common  result  of 
endocarditis  and  is  irremediable.  Yet  affected  cattle, 
sheep  and  pigs  may  often  be  prepared  for  the  butcher  by 
liberal  feeding  and  perfect  quiet. 

FATTY  DEGENERATION  OF  THE  HEART. 

This  is  most  frequent  in  high-bred  stock  (Shorthorns, 
Berkshire  and  Essex  pigs,  Leicester  and  Southdown 
sheep,)  but  may  exist  in  any  pampered  animal.  Some- 
times it  is  compHcated  by  degeneration  of  the  entire 
muscular  system,  especially  in  pigs.  There  are  the  gen- 
eral phenomena  of  chronic  heart-disease  and  dilatation,  and 
the  condition  is  irremediable,  though  it  rarely  kills  animals 
kept  in  perfect  quiet. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  HEART. 

If  from  severe  exertion  this  usually  takes  place  througl 


208  The  Farmcr''s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


the  fibrous  structure  at  the  base  of  the  ventricles  connect- 
ing them  with  the  large  arteries.  If  from  a  fall  or  violent 
concussion  the  muscular  walls  usually  give  way,  when  found 
in  a  relaxed  condition,  or  the  laceration  happens  at  the 
point  of  connection  with  the  veins  (vena  azygos).  Perfo- 
ration from  ulceration  is  seen  in  cows  in  connection  with 
sharp-pointed  bodies  that  have  been  taken  into  the  stom- 
ach.    Death  is  sudden  in  all  such  cases. 

OTHER  HEAET-DISEASES. 

The  heart  is  further  subject  to  a  great  variety  of  dis- 
eased growths  and  deposits  and  to  parasites — EcMnococcus^ 
Cysticercus  TenuicoUis  (sheep  and  calf),  Cysticercus  Ccllulosa 
and  Trichina  Spiralis  (pig),  Rainey  s  Cysts  (cattle),  and 
Filaria  Immitis  (dog). 


CHAPTER  VIIT. 

DISEASES   OF  BLOOD-YESSELS  AND  LYM- 
PHATICS. 

Wounds  of  arteries — punctured,  cut,  torn.  Arteritis,  inflammation  of  ar- 
teries.  Embolism,  plugging.  Aneurism,  dilatation.  Wounds  of  veins. 
Phlebitis,  inflammation  of  veins — circumscribed,  difluse.  Varicose — dilated 
veins.  Lymphangitis,  inflammation  of  lymphatics.  Weed.  Poisoned,  and 
irritated  wounds. 

DISEASES  OF  ARTEEIES. 
WOUNDS  OF  AETEEIES. 

Punctured  wounds  are  rarely  dangerous,  as  the  walls 
quickly  close  and  the  few  drops  of  blood  which  escape 
help  to  plug  the  orifice  ;  but  there  is  danger  of  inflamma- 
tion and  plugging  of  the  vessel,  and  cold  or  warm  fomen- 
tations with  rest  are  desirable. 

Cut  ivounds,  if  only  implicating  the  outer  coats,  soon 
heal  and  are  rarely  followed  by  dilatations  as  in  man.  If 
aU  the  thickness  of  the  wall  is  incised  the  result  will  be 
according  to  the  direction.  If  in  a  hne  with  the  course  of 
the  vessel  there  is  little  risk  and  slight  pressure  wiU  usu- 
ally check  bleeding.  If  transverse  or  obHque  the  elastic- 
ity of  the  walls  of  the  vessel  holds  the  orifice  open  and 
bleeding  is  severe,  the  blood  flowing  in  jets  and  of  a  bright 
red  color.  If  cut  completely  across,  the  arterial  coats  re- 
tract and  curl  within  themselves  and  in  small  vessels  wiU 
often  close  the  opening. 

To  check  bleeding  the  end  of  the  vessel  may  be  sought 
and  tied,  or  a  piece  of  silver  wire  may  be  passed  through 
to  the  soft  parts  beneath  it  by  the  aid  of  a  cuiTed  needle. 
14 


210  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  tied  over  a  cork  placed  on  the  surface  of  the  skin.  It 
may  be  untwisted  and  drawn  out  in  twenty-four  hours. 
Or  a  pad  of  tow  may  be  made  with  a  sharp  firm  point  and 
gradually  increasing  to  a  considerable  bulk  (graduated 
compress)  and  tied  over  the  wound  with  the  narrow  point 
pressing  on  the  vessel.  Or  the  orifice  may  be  seared  with 
an  iron  at  a  dull  red  heat. 

Teanmj,  stretching,  ttoisting,  and  scraping  through  arteries 
usually  lead  to  retraction  of  their  coats  and  complete  clos- 
ure and  these  measures  are  sometimes  adopted  to  check 
hjemoiThage. 

AKTEEITIS. 

Inflammation  of  an  artery  may  be  external  or  internal 
according  as  it  affects  the  fibrous  sheath  or  the  inner  lin- 
ing membrane.  In  the  external  inflammation  there  may  be 
little  danger,  even  if  matter  is  formed,  as  the  vessel  will 
continue  to  transmit  the  blood  so  long  as  its  inner  coat  is 
sound.  But  in  internal  inflammation  the  blood  coagulates, 
layer  after  layer,  on  its  inner  surface  until  the  channel  be- 
comes impervious.  This  may  cut  off  the  blood  entirely 
from  the  part  to  which  the  artery  was  distributed,  leading 
to  loss  of  power  and  substance,  and  in  the  case  of  the 
Hmbs  to  a  lameness,  which  comes  on  whenever  the  animal 
is  exercised,  and  increases  with  the  exertion,  but  disap- 
pears with  a  short  rest  of  ten  or  twenty  minutes.  Or 
small  clots  may  be  loosened  from  the  mass  and  passing 
on  block  smaller  trunks,  causing  circumscribed  inflamma- 
tion at  distant  parts. 

Causes.  Over-stretching  of  arteries.  Plugging  by  clots 
from  the  heart  in  endocarditis,  or  from  inflamed  veins. 
Wounds,  parasites,  etc. 

Symptmns.  Loss  of  muscular  power  and  coldness  oi 
the  parts  beyond  the  seat  of  plugging,  extreme  tenderness 
over  the  line  of  the  vessel  at  the  inflamed  point,  and 
sometimes  general  fever. 

Treatment.    Perfect  rest,  warm  fomentations,  laxatives, 


Diseases  of  Bhod-vessels  and  Lymphatics     211 

(horse,  ox  and  sheep,  linseed  oil  or  Glauber  salts  ;  pig  and 
dog,  castor  oil,)  and  afterward  diuretics  and  sedatives. 

The  persistence  of  the  plugging  and  lameness  must  be 
met  by  patience,  the  animal  being  turned  into  a  small 
yard  or  paddock  where  he  can  take  gentle  exercise  and 
live  well,  until  the  collateral  vessels  have  had  time  to  en- 
large and  carry  on  the  circulation.  Three  or  four  months 
will  sometimes  secure  a  tolerable  recovery. 

DILATATIONS  OF  THE  AKTERIES.      ANEURISMS. 

These  are  mostly  seen  in  the  horse  among  domestic  an- 
imals, and  even  in  him  much  more  rarely  than  in  man. 
The  causes  are  generally  severe  strains  in  the  vicinity  of 
an  artery,  or  over-stretching  of  the  vessel  itself.  They 
are  also  common  in  the  mesenteric  arteries  of  horses  from 
the  presence  of  immature  worms  ( Sderostomum  Equinum) 
in  the  circulating  blood.  Injuries  to  the  walls  of  the  ves- 
sels are  much  less  liable  to  be  followed  by  aneurism  than 
in  man,  because  of  the  greater  plasticity  of  the  blood,  and 
the  speedy  formation  of  a  covering  of  coagulable  lymph. 
They  are  soft,  fluctuating,  pulsating  tumors,  effaceable  by 
pressure,  but  reappearing  at  once.  Being  usually  situated 
internally,  treatment  can  rarely  be  adopted.  But  when 
superficial,  compression  has  been  most  successful  alike  in 
the  horse  and  dog.  It  is  needless  to  recount  the  many 
other  modes  of  treatment  for  such  an  unusual  aifection. 

DISEASES  OF  VEINS. 
WOUNDS  OF  VEINS. 

These  give  rise  to  the  escape  of  a  dark  red  blood  in  a 
steady  stream.  This  is  commonly  to  be  arrested  by  pin- 
ning up  the  lips  of  the  wound  evenly,  taking  hold  of  each 
by  one-eighth  inch  and  tying  them  together  by  a  Httle 
tow,  twisted  round  the  two  ends  of  the  pin  in  the  form  of 
the  figure  8.  Or  several  pins  may  be  placed  near  each 
other  and  the  tow  twisted  round  them  and  from  pin  to  pin 
iu  tlie  same  manner.     Veins  may  be  tied  but  this  risks  tlie 


212  The  Farmer^ s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

occRiTence  of  dropsy  unless  you  know  that  there  is  a  free 
circulation  by  other  collateral  tiiinks.  They  may  be  com- 
pressed for  a  time  until  the  wound  is  closed  with  lymph, 
a  simple  pad  and  compress  being  used,  or  the  silver  wire 
and  cork  as  advised  for  arteries. 

PHLEBITIS.      INMAMMATION  OF  VEINS. 

This  usually  results  from  opening  a  vein  with  a  rusty 
fleam  or  lancet,  making  the  incision  at  the  dilated  part, 
just  above  a  valve,  pulling  out  the  skin  in  inserting  the  pin 
so  as  to  cause  a  flow  of  blood  into  the  tissues  beneath,  leav- 
ing hau's  or  other  iiTitants  in  the  wound,  or  pinning  the 
lips  awry. 

Symptoms.  Swelling  of  the  wound,  gaping  and  redness 
of  the  hps,  and  the  formation  of  a  hard  painful  cord  along 
the  line  of  the  vein  in  an  upward  dii'ection  where  the  blood 
is  necessarily  stagnant  and  in  contact  with  the  clot  al- 
ready formed.  The  exudation  may  be  fibrinous  with  a 
tendency  to  contraction  and  obliteration  of  the  vein,  or 
suppuration  may  occur,  in  which  case  the  matter  must  es- 
cape externally.  Clots  may  be  detached  and  washed  on 
to  plug  the  arteries  in  the  lungs,  and  rouse  pneumonia, 
or  perfect  recovery  may  take  place  with  loss  of  the  vein, 
and  a  tendency  to  swelling  of  the  part  from  which  it  comes, 
when  that  is  in  a  dependent  position. 

Treatment.  If  from  an  inflamed  wound  after  bleeding, 
take  out  the  pin,  remove  hair,  pus,  clotted  blood  or  other 
irritant,  and  foment  with  warm  water.  Then  rub  in,  at  au 
inch  distant  fi'om  the  wound  and  along  the  course  of  the 
hardened  vein,  an  active  blister  (Spanish  flies  2  drs.,  lard 
1  oz.,)  and  tie  the  animal  to  the  two  sides  of  the  stall,  so 
that  he  cannot  rub  the  part.  If  a  vein  is  lost  in  the  neck, 
never  again  turn  out  to  grass. 

DIFFUSE  PHLEBITIS 

Resulting  from  an  irritated  or  poisoned  external  wound, 
or  in  the  womb  after  parturition,  is  usually  fatal,  the  clots 


Diseases  of  Blood-vessels  and  Lymj^hatics.     218 

forming  on  the  inflamed  lining  membrane  being  washed 
on  in  greater  or  less  amount,  to  set  up  inflammation  in  the 
lungs  and  elsewhere. 

DILATED  (varicose)  VEINS. 

These  are  common  over  the  distended  hock  joint  in  bog 
spavin  and  I  have  seen  them  in  the  posterior  tibial  and 
other  veins  but  they  are  rarely  or  never  injurious. 

ENTRANCE  OF  AIR  INTO  VEINS. 

If  veins  are  opened  in  the  lower  part  of  the  neck  or  else- 
where in  the  vicinity  of  the  chest  the  suction-power  may 
draw  in  air  in  such  quantity  as  to  work  the  blood  in  the 
heart  into  a  frothy  mass,  and  block  the  minute  vessels  in 
the  lungs,  causing  sudden  death.  There  is  heard  a  gurg- 
ling sound  as  it  enters  the  vein  and  afterward  tumultuous 
heart's  action  and  a  fine  squeaking  sound  in  the  lungs, 
while  the  animal  falls  in  a  faint.  The  danger  is  not  so 
great  as  is  usu^ly  supposed,  as  it  takes  several  quarts 
suddenly  introduced  to  kill  a  horse.  Care  is  requisite, 
however,  to  close  promptly  all  large  veins  opened  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  chest. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  LYMPHATICS. 
LYMPHANGITIS.      INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LYMPHATICS. 

This  occurs  in  two  forms,  one  a  constitutional  disease 
and  the  other  a  simple  local  afi"ection  due  to  irritation  of 
a  wound  or  the  absorption  of  poisonous  matter. 

CONSTITUTIONAL  FORM.   WEED.   SHOT  OF  GREASE. 

This  is  seen  mainly  in  heavy  lymphatic  fleshy-legged 
horses,  kept  at  hard  work  on  heavy  feeding,  and  in  the 
midst  of  this  left  in  the  stall  for  two  or  three  days  without 
any  exercise  or  change  of  feed.  Thus  it  is  common  on 
Monday  morning  or  after  one  or  two  stormy  days  that 
have  kept  the  horses  indoors.  It  is  the  result  of  a 
sudden  access  of  plethora,  but  it  may  occur  in  similar 


214  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


circumstances  in  over-worked  and  rather  reduced  horses. 
In  either  case  it  is  due  to  an  accumulation  in  the  blood  of 
deleterious  products  that  should  have  been  worked  off  by 
exercise. 

Symptoms.  There  is  shivering  to  a  variable  extent,  but 
very  severe  in  the  worst  cases,  greatly  accelerated  breath- 
ing, rapid  hard  pulse,  general  fever  and  stiffness  in  one  or 
both  limbs.  Examination  high  up  in  the  groin,  by  the 
side  of  the  sheath  or  udder,  detects  enlargement  and 
great  tenderness  of  the  inguinal  glands,  the  patient  usu- 
ally raising  and  drawing  out  his  limb  till  he  seems  ready 
to  fall  over  on  the  other  side.  Soon  the  shivering  gives 
place  to  the  hot  stage,  the  surface  burns  and  sweats,  and 
the  limb  swells,  the  swelling  extending  cord-like  down  the 
course  of  the  vessels  on  its  inner  side,  and  its  lower  part 
becoming  the  seat  of  an  excessive  exudation,  which  may 
fill  it  up  to  the  body,  and  of  two,  three,  or  four  times  its 
natural  size.  If  allowed  to  go  on,  abscess,  sloughing  and 
unhealthy  sores  may  result,  the  patient  may  perish,  or  the 
fever  may  subside  leaving  the  limb  permanently  thickened 
to  almost  any  extent,  and  correspondingly  liable  to  future 
attacks. 

Treatment.  Mild  cases  may  be  entirely  restored  by 
giving  the  animal  a  fair  amount  of  exercise.  In  those 
that  are  somewhat  more  severe,  a  smart  purgative  (aloes 
6  to  8  drs.)  must  be  given,  warm  fomentations  applied 
continuously  to  the  Hmb,  and  walking  exercise  enforced  as 
soon  as  the  patient  can  be  made  to  move.  The  purgation 
should  be  followed  up  by  active  diuretics  (nitre,  iodide  of 
potassium,)  and  when  the  inflammation  has  somewhat 
subsided  tincture  of  iodine  may  be  applied  over  the  swol? 
len  glands.  In  the  worst  cases  in  vigorous  plethoric 
subjects  a  prompt  effect  should  be  secured  by  a  free  bleed- 
ing from  the  jugular,  until  the  pulse  is  softened,  and  the 
same  treatment  followed  out  as  in  other  cases.  Diet 
should  be  light  and  laxative  (bran-mashes,  roots,  scalded 
hay,  etc.,)  and  the  water  given  with  the  chill  off. 

For  the  chronic  thickening  of  the  leg,  regular  feeding 


Diseases  of  Blood-vessels  and  Lymijliatics.     215 


and  exercise,  a  bandage  smoothly  applied  from  the  foot  up 
when  in  the  stable,  the  application  of  tincture  of  iodine 
every  four  days  to  the  limb,  and  the  internal  use  of  tonics 
(iron,  Peruvian  bark,  columba,  gentian,  nux  vomica,  etc.,) 
and  diuretics  (iodide  of  potassium,  Hquor  of  acetate  o\ 
ammonia,)  will  be  beneficial.     Some  use  veratrum. 

LOCAL  FORM. 

This  results  mainly  from  wounds,  bruises  (saddle  or 
shoulder  scalds),  from  injuries  of  unyielding  parts  (pricked 
foot,  tendon  or  fascia,)  and  above  all  from  the  absorption 
of  putrefying  animal  matter  or  other  poison  by  these  ves- 
sels. The  same  occurs  from  the  specific  poisons  of  gland- 
ers, farcy,  etc.  There  are  sHghtly  swollen  cords  (red  in 
white  skins)  extending  along  the  course  of  the  lymphatics 
and  veins  fr'om  the  point  of  irritation  or  poisoning ;  nod- 
ular, painful  enlargement  of  the  lymphatic  glands  along 
their  course,  and  more  or  less  surrounding  pasty  swelling, 
or  even  erysipelas.  It  may  go  on  to  abscess  or  diffuse 
suppuration,  it  may  leave  induration  of  the  glands,  or 
even  the  vessels  and  surrounding  parts,  or  a  perfect  re- 
covery may  be  made. 

Treatment.  Kest,  a  purgative,  and  astringent  lotions 
(acetate  of  lead  1  dr.,  opium  ^  dr.,  carbolic  acid  1  dr.,  wa- 
ter 1  qt.)  If  the  inflammation  runs  very  high  it  may  be 
expedient  to  use  warm  poultices  to  hasten  suppuration. 
In  case  it  arises  from  a  poisoned  wound,  cauterize  the 
sore  thoroughly  with  lunar  caustic  or  crystallized  carbolic 
acid,  and  keep  the  affected  parts  wrapped  in  cloths  con- 
stantly wet  with  a  saturated  solution  of  bisulphite  or  hy- 
posulphite of  soda,  and  enough  carbolic  acid  to  give  a 
sweetish  taste.  The  bisulphite  may  also  be  taken  inter- 
nally. In  case  of  suppuration,  open  early  and  freely  with 
the  lancet.  If  the  affection  becomes  chronic  and  threat- 
ens permanent  induration  use  iodine  ointment  or  tincture, 
well  appHed  bandages,  giving  an  equable  pressure,  and 
3ven  bHsters.  Iodide  of  potassium,  or  in  weak  subjects, 
iodide  of  iron  may  be  given  internally. 


CHAPTER   IX. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  OEGANS. 

Their  frequency  and  gravity  in  different  animals.  Stomatitis.  Inflanmia- 
tion  of  the  mouth, — of  the  palate, — of  the  gums, — of  the  tongue.  Thrush, 
Aphthous  Stomatitis.  Mercurialism.  Warts  on  the  lips.  Laceration  of  the 
tongue.  Cysts  under  the  tongue.  Tumors  of  the  mouth.  Cancroid  of  the 
lips.  Cancer  of  the  tongue.  Supernumerary  teeth.  Wolf-teeth.  Parrot- 
mouth.  Crib-biting,  wind-sucking.  Displaced  teeth.  OvergroAvn  and  une- 
ven teeth.  Carious  teeth.  Disease  of  the  membranes  of  the  teeth.  Tartar 
on  teeth.  Dentition-fever.  Salivation,  slobbers.  Salivary  calculi.  Salivary 
fistula.  Inflammation  of  the  parotid  gland.  Choking.  Stricture  and  dila- 
tation of  the  gullet.  Impaction  of  the  crop.  Tympany  in  cattle.  Hoove. 
Bloating.  Overloaded  paunch.  Impaction  of  the  third  stomach.  Gastritis 
in  cattle.  Indigestion  in  oxen.  Indigestion  in  calves,  lambs  and  foals. 
Wliite  scour.  Acute  gastric  indigestion  in  the  horse.  Acute  intestinal  indi- 
gestion in  the  horse.  Windy  coHc.  Impaction  of  the  large  intestines  in 
horses.  Chronic  indigestion — catarrh  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  in  horses. 
Vomiting.  Depraved  appetite.  Foreign  bodies  in  the  stomach  and  intes- 
tines. Spasmodic  colic.  Acute  hemorrhagic  enteritis.  Acute  muco-enteri- 
tis.  Croupous  enteritis.  Inflammation  of  the  rectum.  Diarrhoea,  scour- 
ing.  Dysentery.  Obstruction  of  the  bowels, — impaction,  invagination 
volvulus,  etc.  Hernia, — diaphragmatic,  mesenteric,  umbilical,  inguinal,  fem 
oral,  ventral,  vaginal.  Eversion  of  the  rectum.  Piles.  Fistula  in  anus. 
Imperforate  anus.      Peritonitis.      Ascites.      Gastric  and  intestinal  parasites, 

DISEASES  OF  THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS 

The  importance  of  these  diseases  in  the  domestic  ani- 
mals follows  an  ascending  series  from  the  carnivora, 
through  the  omnivora  and  soHpeds  to  the  ruminants. 
The  small  capacity  of  the  digestive  organs  in  carnivora 
(dog  and  cat),  the  completion  of  the  greater  part  of  the 
digestive  process  in  the  stomach,  and  the  facihty  with 
which  vomitiQg  is  accomplished  sufficiently  account  for 
their  comparative  immunity.     Pigs  stand  next  in  these  re- 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  217 


spects  and  last  come  the  herbivora  with  their  enormously 
long  and  capacious  digestive  organs,  the  slow  digestion  as 
the  food  passes  through  the  bowels  and  the  difficulty  oi 
impossibility  of  getting  quit  of  irritating  agents  by  vomit- 
ing. In  the  ox  and  sheep  there  is  the  further  complica- 
tion of  the  four  stomachs,  the  first  three  of  which  are  lit- 
tle more  than  macerating  and  triturating  cavities,  and  in 
which  an  enormous  bulk  of  food  is  continually  stowed 
away.  From  their  rapid  collection  and  swallowing  of  food 
poisonous,  irritating  and  unnatural  objects  appear  more 
Hable  to  be  taken  in  by  oxen,  while  horses  suffer  more 
from  hurried  feeding  and  from  hard  work  immediately 
after  feeding.  Horses,  too,  suffer  much  from  faults  in  wa- 
tering, as  excess  of  cold  water  when  hot  and  fatigued, 
causing  stomachic  and  intestinal  congestions,  an  excess 
after  feeding  grain,  washing  that  on  undigested  to  ferment 
in  the  bowels,  etc.  Again,  all  of  the  herbivora  are  espe- 
cially subject  to  digestive  disorders  from  food  that  is  un- 
naturally grown,  or  spoiled  in  harvesting,  so  that  in  unfa- 
vorable seasons  affections  of  the  stomach  and  bowels  may 
spread  like  an  epizootic. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  MOUTH. 

Causes,  Mechanical  and  chemical  irritants.  There 
may  be  wounds,  bruises,  injuries  with  bit  or  twitch,  irri- 
tant vegetables,  scalding  food,  snake  and  leech  bites,  stings 
of  insects,  injuries  from  ropes  tied  round  the  lower  jaw 
and  tongue,  from  giving  "weak  lye"  and  other  irritants, 
especially  to  the  horse,  which  can  resist  swallowing  liquids 
as  long  as  he  chooses,  from  pricks  with  thorns,  needles 
and  other  sharp-pointed  bodies,  from  cutting,  decay,  over- 
growth or  irregularity  of  the  teeth,  from  rough  dragging 
upon  the  tongue,  from  the  use  of  mercury  and  other  sali- 
vating drugs,  from  parasitic  growths,  and  from  some  spe- 
cific fevers  (aphthous  fever,  Kiuderpest,  etc.) 

Symptoms  of  General  Inflammatiar.  of  the  Mouth.  Diffi- 
culty in  taking  in  food  and  water ;   swollen,  rigid  tender 


218  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser 

lips  and  cheeks  ;  red  membrane  of  the  mouth  ;  slavering  ; 
saliva  often  foetid;  swelling  between  the  bones  of  the 
lower  jaw ;  the  formation  of  blisters  or  sores  inside  the 
mouth  ;  and  sometimes  swelling  of  the  glands  beneath  the 
ears.     Abscess  or  even  gangi'ene  may  result. 

Treatment.  Eemove  the  cause  whether  irritants  in  food, 
drugs,  sharp  bodies  lodged  in  the  tissues,  injuries  by  the 
bit,  twitch  or  otherwise.  K  injured  by  lye,  wash  with 
weak  vinegar ;  if  by  acids,  with  calcined  magnesia, .  lime 
water  or  bicarbonate  of  soda ;  if  by  caustic  salts,  white  of 
egg,  boiled  linseed,  slippery  elm  or  the  gluten  of  wheat 
flour.  Give  the  same  agents  as  a  draught.  If  fi'om 
the  bite  or  sting  of  venomous  animals  apply  ammonia 
to  the  part  and  give  it  internally.  In  aU  the  severer 
animal  poisons  the  wound  should  be  cauterized  (see  ca- 
nine madness).  In  simple  inflammations  open  the  bowels 
by  injections  of  warm  water  with  soap  or  other  laxa- 
tives, or,  if  it  can  be  done,  give  a  mild  laxative  (ohve 
oil).  "Wash  the  mouth  frequently  with  cool  astringent 
lotions  (vinegar  and  water ;  vinegar  and  honey ;  borax, 
alum  or  tannic  acid,  honey  and  water;  water  slightly 
sweetened  with  carboHc  acid,  etc.)  Have  fresh  cool  water 
constantly  present  to  drink  at  wdll,  and  feed  with  boiled 
gruels,  or  soft  mashes  cold,  or  pulped  or  thinly  sliced 
roots.  Poultices  beneath  the  throat  and  lower  jaw  are 
often  very  useful.  If  erosions  and  ulcers  appear  touch 
them  repeatedly  with  a  feather  dipped  in  a  solution  of  10 
grains  lunar  caustic  to  1  oz.  distilled  water.  If  fluctua- 
tion shows  the  presence  of  matter  lance  at  once.  If 
sloughing  takes  place  wash  with  a  solution  of  permanga- 
nate of  potassa  1  dr.,  water  1  pint.  If  there  is  much  swell- 
ing keep  the  head  tied  up. 

CONGESTED  PALATE.      lAMPAS. 

A  red  swoUen  state  of  the  soft  parts  behind  the  upper 
front  teeth,  attendant  in  young  animals  on  shedding  of  the 
teeth,  or  in  older  ones  on  digestive  disorder.     The  taking 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs,  210 

in  of  food  may  be  painful  and  awkward  from  the  tender 
palate  projecting  beyond  the  teeth. 

Treatment.  Feeding  hard  unshelled  Indian  corn  has 
often  a  good  effect.  Scarify  shghtly  with  knife  or  lancet, 
for  haK  an  inch  back  from  the  teeth.  Follow  with  astrin- 
gent lotions  if  necessary.  If  with  costiveness  or  disorder 
of  the  stomach  give  a  dose  of  physic. 

IKBTAMMATION  OF  THE  GUMS. 

If  connected  with  the  shedding  and  cutting  of  teeth,  re- 
move those  that  hang  partly  detached  and  scarify  the 
gums.  For  the  other  causes — diseased  teeth  and  mercurial 
poisoning — see  below. 

INFLAMJVLVTION  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

There  are  the  signs  of  general  inflammation  of  the 
mouth,  with  great  difliculty  in  taking  in  food,  chewing  and 
drinking,  and  a  swollen  red  tender  state  of  the  tongue 
which  often  hangs  out  of  the  mouth. 

Treatment.  Search  carefuUy  for  any  sharp  uritant 
body  that  may  have  penetrated  the  organ  and  remove  it. 
Support  the  tongue  within  the  mouth  in  a  bag  with  tapes 
tied  behind  the  ears.  Otherwise  treat  as  for  general  in- 
flammation of  the  mouth. 

THBUSH  OF  THE  MOUTH.  APHTHOUS  STOMATITIS.   MUGUET 

Is  mostly  seen  in  sucking  animals.  In  addition  to  the 
signs  of  ordinary  inflammation,  there  appear  on  the  Hps, 
cheeks  and  tongue,  firm  white  patches,  which  on  micro- 
scopic examination  show  the  presence  of  a  vegetable 
growth  (oidium  albicans).  Wash  the  mouth  frequently 
with  a  solution  of  bisulphite  of  soda  or  even  of  borax. 

MERCURIALISM. 

Inflammation  of  the  mouth,  ulceration  of  the  gums, 
loosenmg  of  the  teeth  and  free  salivation  were  formerly 
common  results  of  the  abuse  of  mercurials  but  are  now 


220  The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


fortunately  rare.  There  is  likely  to  be  disorder  of  stomach 
and  bowels,  loss  of  appetite,  bloating,  rumbling  in  the 
belly,  badly  digested,  fcetid  stools  and  great  languor  and 
depression.  Use  washes  containing  tincture  of  iodine  or 
chlorate  of  potassa,  and  iodide  of  potassium  internally. 

WAKTS  ON  THE  LIPS 

Are  very  common  in  dogs.  Kemove  with  scissors  and 
cauterize  the  roots  thoroughly  with  a  pointed  stick  of  lunar 
caustic. 

LACERATION  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

Causes.  Especially  common  in  horses  from  hard  bits, 
nooses  of  ropes,  or  rough  dragging  ^dth  the  hand.  The 
lacerated  tongue  may  hang  from  the  mouth.  Sew  up  the 
wound  with  catgut  previously  softened  in  water ;  feed 
thick  gruels  only,  and  wash  out  the  mouth  fi'equently 
mth  a  lotion  of  permanganate  of  potassa.  Any  dead  por- 
tion must  be  removed  with  the  knife,  but  it  must  not  en- 
croach on  the  Hving.  The  whole  organ  may  often  be 
saved  when  almost  entirely  torn  off. 

CYSTS  UNDER  THE  TONGUE. 

These  are  tense  elastic  rounded  swellings  and  are  easily 
remedied  by  a  fiee  incision  with  the  knife. 

TUMORS  IN  THE  MOUTH. 

These  mostly  grow  from  the  gums  and  tongue,  and  may 
attain  the  size  of  the  closed  fist  in  the  horse.  Small  ones 
may  be  removed  with  scissors,  the  larger  with  the  ecraseur, 

CANCROID  OF  THE  LIPS.      CANCER  OF  THE  TONGUE. 

The  former  of  these  attacks  the  angle  of  the  mouth  in 
horses  and  cats  as  an  eroded  unhealthy  sore  with  hard 
thickened  margins ;  the  latter  appears  in  horses  and 
cattle  as  an  increasing  hard  swelling  with  unhealthy  open 
sore  and  giant  cells.  It  should  be  excised  when  very 
'limited.     Later  it  is  incurable. 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  221 


SUPERNUMERARY  TEETH. 

In  the  case  of  nippers  or  grinding  teeth  these  should  be 
extracted  or  pinched  out  as  they  are  liable  to  injure  the 
gums,  palate,  cheek  or  tongue. 

Wolf-teeth  cannot  be  looked  on  as  superfluous,  being 
natural  and  harmless.  They  are  insignificant  teeth  situ- 
ated directly  in  front  of  the  upper,  and  less  frequently  of 
the  lower  grinders.  Being  present  during  the  shedding 
and  cutting  of  the  teeth,  when  recurring  inflammation  of 
the  eyes  is  most  frequent,  they  are  in  very  bad  odor  with 
people  who  cannot  see  the  distinction  between  the  mere 
coincidence  and  the  cause  and  effect.  They  are  useless, 
however,  and  may  be  extracted  without  injury,  though  if 
l)roken  they  may  irritate  the  gums. 

PARROT  MOUTH. 

Abnormal  length  of  the  upper  jaw  may  lead  to  tnordi 
nate  length  of  the  upper  fi'ont  teeth  which  project  over 
the  lower  like  a  parrot's  bill.  If  this  interferes  with  graz- 
ing the  extra  length  should  be  removed  with  a  saw  or  with 
tooth-shears.  But  parrot-mouthed  horses  usually  do  well 
fed  in-doors. 

CRIB-BITING. 

This  is  a  distortion  rather  than  a  disease  of  the  teeth, 
these  being  worn  away  on  their  anterior  edge  so  as  to 
show  more  or  less  of  the  yeUow  dentine  in  place  of  the 
clear  pearly  enamel.  It  is  associated  with  the  serious  vice 
of  loind-sucking  (swallowing),  and  eructation,  which  leads 
to  tympany,  digestive  disorder,  and  rapid  loss  of  condir 
tion.  The  horse  seizes  the  manger  or  other  solid  object 
with  his  teeth,  arches  and  shortens  the  neck  and  makes  a 
grunting  noise.  The  ^mnd-siuMncj  may,  however,  exist 
without  crib-Uting.  It  may  l»e  learned  by  standmg  idle 
near  a  crib-biter,  and  alway  goes  on  to  disease  and  loss  of 
condition. 

Treatment.     Smear  the  front  of  the  manger  with  aloes 


222 


The  Farmery's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


or  othei  bitters.  Cover  all  exposed  woodwork  with  sheet- 
iron.  Place  a  small  revolving  roller  above  the  front  of  the 
manger  so  that  the  teeth  may  at  once  shde  off.  Apply 
the  muzzle  shown  in  the  adjoining  cut.      In  pure  luiy.d- 

Pi^.  17. 


Fig.  17 — Muzzle  for  crib-biter. 

suckers  a  strap  may  be  tied  tightly  round  the  upper  part 
of  the  neck,  though  at  the  risk  of  inducing  roaring. 

DISPLACED  TEETH. 

Though  loosened  and  partially  displaced,  teeth  will 
often  grow  firm  if  at  once  replaced  in  their  sockets  and 
the  animal  fed  for  some  time  on  soft  mashes.  If  they 
cannot  be  returned  to  their  natural  situation  they  should 
be  at  once  extracted,  as  any  faulty  direction  will  be  a 
source  of  after  trouble. 


OYEEGKOWN  AND  UNEVEN  TEETH. 

The  teeth  of  herbivora  are  liable  to  become  overgrown 
into  sharp  hurtful  processes  along  the  outer  margin  of  the 
upper  grinders  or  the  inner  border  of  the  lower,  because 
the  lower  jaw  is  always  narrower  than  the  upper.  In  old 
tnimals  and  those  having  broken  teeth,  extensive  over* 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  223 


growth  will  ensue  from  the  absence  of  wear.  In  other 
cases  a  tooth  is  displaced  and  failing  to  meet  with  a  tooth 
in  the  other  jaw  gets  overgrown,  cuts  the  soft  parts  and 
sets  up  disease  of  these  or  of  the  jaw-bone.  There  ensue 
the  usual  symptoms  of  disease  of  the  teeth,  with  swelling 
of  cheek  or  tongue,  tumefaction  of  the  jaw  or  eTeiy=a  run- 
ning sore,  or  a  foetid  discharge  from  the  nose.  The  over- 
grown teeth  must  be  reduced  with  the  tooth-rasp,  cut  with 

Fig.  18. 


Fig.  i8 — Tooth-rasp. 

tooth-shears,  or  with  a  guarded  tooth-chisel. 

CAEIOUS  TEETH. 

Caries  is  quite  common  in  the  grinding  teeth  but  rare  in 
the  incisors. 

Symptoms.  Slow,  careful  mastication,  and  dropping 
from  the  mouth  of  haK-chewed  food  (hay,  green  fodder,) 
which,  impelled  by  hunger,  the  animal  takes  in  but  fails  to 
swallow.  Greedy  swallowing  of  soft  food,  indigestions 
and  colics  from  imperfectly  chewed  aliment  irritating  the 
stomach  and  bowels.  The  presence  in  the  dung  of  undi- 
gested grain  which  has  been  swallowed  whole.  Un- 
thrifty, staring  coat,  hide-bound,  pale  mucous  membranes, 
weak  pulse,  weakness,  emaciation,  and  Hability  to  sweat- 
ing, and  swelKng  of  the  legs  are  marked  features.  The 
more  specific  symptoms  are :  swelling  of  the  jaw-bone 
over  the  diseased  fang  or  even  a  running  sore  if  in  the 
lower  jaw,  the  accumulation  of  partially  chewed  food 
around  the  tooth,  and  especially  between  it  and  the  cheek, 
tenderness  of  the  tooth  when  touched  or  gently  tapped 
with  the  finger,  the  presence  of  a  black  spot  on  some  part 
of  its  surface,  or  of  an  excavated  channel,  leading  from 
the  wearing  surface  down  to  the  fang,  or  between  tlio 


224  The  Farmer'' s  Vetermary  Adviser. 

tootli  and  the  jaw-bone,  tliis  cavity  being  filled  with  putrid 
elements  and  giving  out  a  most  offensive  and  persistent 
odor.  In  some  cases  the  tooth  is  broken  in  pieces. 
In  examining  the  mouth  draw  out  the  tongue  and  turn  it 
up  between  the  jaws,  or  better  keep  the  jaws  apart  with  a 
balling  iron.  If  the  diseased  tooth  belongs  to  the  upper 
jaw  and  is  behind  the  first  grinder  there  may  be  a  very 
foetid  discharge  from  the  nose,  which  with  its  attendant 
nodular  enlargement  of  the  glands  beneath  the  jaw  have 
led  to  the  destruction  of  many  such  horses  as  glandered. 
Treatment.  Wlien  there  is  much  inflammation  of  the 
gums  clear  out  the  cavity  of  the  tootli  with  the  aid  of  a 
bent  flattened  wire  and  a  syringe  with  bent  nozzle,  feed 
soft  bran  mashes  only,  and  give  a  dose  of  laxative  medi- 
cine (horse,  aloes ;  ox  or  sheep,  sulphate  of  magnesia ;  dog 
and  pig,  jalap  ;)  lance  the  gums  and  protect  from  cold  for 
a  few  days.  When  inflammation  is  less  severe,  scrape 
from  the  diseased  cavity  all  black,  softened  or  diseased 
tooth,  and  plug  it  with  gutta-percha  softened  by  heal, 
moulded  into  the  ca\dty  and  hardened  by  a  stream  of  cool 
water.  If  there  is  a  tender  spot  from  exposure  of  the 
nerve  this  should  first  be  deadened  by  caustic  (crystallized 
carbolic  acid  and  powdered  opium).  Where  the  destruc- 
tion is  too  great  to  allow  of  success  by  stuffing,  the  tooth 
must  be  extracted,  and  the  cavity  syi'inged  out  after  each 
meal,  until  it  heals  up,  and  then  filled  with  gutta-percha  to 
prevent  the  adjacent  teeth  deviating  from  their  proper  di- 
rection. If  very  loose,  the  giinding  teeth  of  large  quadru- 
peds may  be  extracted  with  large  tooth  forceps,  but  if  at  all 
firm  an  opening  must  be  made  over  the  fang  and  the  tooth 
driven  into  the  mouth  with  a  mallet  and  punch.  This  oper- 
ation requires  accurate  anatomical  knowledge,  especially 
in  young  animals.  In  small  animals  the  teeth  may  be  re- 
moved by  ordinary  dentist's  forceps.  After  the  removal  ol 
a  tooth  in  herbivora  the  opposing  teeth  on  the  other  jaTV 
must  be  occasionally  cut  or  rasped  down  to  prevent  injury 
from  overgrowth. 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  225 

DISEASE   OF  THE   MEMBEANES   OF  THE   TEETH. 

The  membrane  suiTounding  the  fang  or  that  lining  the 
pulp  cavity  may  become  the  seat  of  disease.  There  may 
be  loosening,  suppuration  or  shedding  of  the  tooth,  devia- 
tion from  its  true  direction  so  that  the  outer  edge  of  the 
upper  grinder  or  the  inner  edge  of  the  lower  may  got 
overgrown  and  injurious,  or  a  hard  deposit  may  fill  up  the 
pulp  cavity,  or  surround  the  fang  wedging  it  into  its  socket 
and  setting  up  disease  and  swelling  of  the  adjacent  jaw- 
bone. These  conditions  may  often  be  relieved  in  the 
early  stages  by  soft  feeding,  protection  from  cold,  lancing 
the  gums,  a  dose  of  physic,  and  daily  sponging  of  the 
gums  with  tincture  of  myrrh. 

DENTINAL  TUMOKS. 

These  occur  from  the  action  of  any  irritant  applied  to 
the  tooth  ivory.  Some  years  ago  I  removed  a  large  mass 
of  this  kind  attached  to  the  second  upper  temporary 
gi'inder  of  the  horse.  It  is  usually  necessary  to  remove 
the  teeth  from  which  they  grow. 

TAKTAR  ON  TEETH. 

This  is  common  in  dogs  and  may  be  removed  by  a 
wooden  probe  with  a  small  pledget  of  tow  dipped  in  water 
rendered  slightly  acid  with  spirit  of  salt. 

DENTITION    FEVER. 

Considerable  irritation  and  fever  often  attend  on  the 
cutting  of  the  teeth  in  animals.  Horses  are  most  Kable  to 
suffer  in  the  third  year  when  they  cut  four  front  teeth  and 
eight  back  ones,  and  in  the  fourth  year  when  they  cut 
four  front,  eight  back,  and  four  tushes.  Cattle  suffer  less 
and  mainly  from  the  second  to  the  third  year.  One  of 
the  first  grinders  which  come  up  at  this  period  is  some- 
times entangled  with  the  crown  of  its  predecessor,  causing 
much  loss  of  appetite  and  condition  and  foetid  breath. 
Pigs  usually  cut  thirty-six  teeth  from  the  sixth  to  the 


226  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

twelfth  month  and  are  most  liable  to  suffer  at  this  age. 
Puppies  and  kittens  suffer  even  to  convulsions,  between 
the  third  and  the  sixth  months.  The  temporary  tushes, 
should  always  be  extracted  if  not  shed  before  the  perma- 
nent ones  come  up. 

The  redness,  swelling  and  tenderness  of  the  gums  in 
such  cases  may  extend  to  the  throat,  causing  fits  of  cough- 
ing, and  retained  temporary  teeth  are  to  be  sought  for  and 
removed.  Otherwise  treatment  consists  in  a  slight  lancing 
of  the  gums,  washing  with  tincture  of  myrrh,  using  soft 
food,  keeping  the  bowels  open,  and  avoiding  hard  work  in 
horses  and  dogs. 

SALIYATION.      SLOBBEES. 

This  is  often  a  symptom  of  some  other  affection  (aph- 
thous fever,  dumb  rabies,  epilepsy,  stomatitis,  pharyngitis, 
dentition,  caries  and  other  diseases  of  the  teeth,  wounds 
and  ulcers  of  the  mouth,  gastric  catarrh,  etc.,)  or  caused 
by  irritant  food  and  di'ugs  (rank  aqueous  rapidly-grown 
gi'ass,  musty  mow-burnt  fodder,  lobelia,  wild  mustard, 
colchium,  pepper,  garlic,  ginger,  ii-ritants,  caustic  alkalies, 
acids  and  salts,  and  the  compounds  of  mercury  used  in- 
ternally and  externally).  Mercurials  are  especially  hurtful 
to  cattle.  Paralysis  of  the  lips  will  cause  a  free  flow  of 
saliva,  as  will  also  irritation  with  the  bit,  and  especially 
from  chemical  agents  attached  in  bags  to  the  bit. 

Symptoms,  Free  discharge  of  saliva  in  stiingy  filaments 
or  fi'othy  masses,  frequent  deglutition,  increased  thirst 
and  disordered  digestion.  For  mercurial  salivation  see 
stomatitis. 

Treatment,  Discover  and  remove  the  cause,  use  astrin- 
gent washes  as  advised  for  stomatitis,  and  give  access  to 
cold  water.  In  obstinate  cases  give  a  course  of  tartar 
emetic,  opium,  chlorate  of  potassa,  or  iodide  of  potassium. 
Rub  the  glands  beneath  the  ears  and  between  the  jaws 
with  iodine  ointment 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  227 


SALIVAKY  CALCULI. 

These  are  small  concretions  of  earthy  and  organic  mat- 
ter usually  around  some  foreign  body  (a  grain  of  oats  oi 
barley,  or  a  particle  of  sand)  which  has  accidentally  en- 
tered the  canal.  They  obstruct  the  ducts  and  give  rise 
to  the  feeling  as  of  a  tense  elastic  cord  extending  roiuul 
the  border  of  the  lower  jaw  and  upwards  on  the  side  of 
the  cheek,  or  forward  along  the  inner  side  of  the  jaw-bone. 
The  pea-Hke  concretion  may  be  felt  at  the  anterior  end  of 
the  cord,  and  if  there  is  more  than  one  they  may  be  made  to 
rattle  on  each  other.  Sometimes  matter  forms  and  bursts 
and  the  concretion  may  be  felt  in  the  depth  of  the  wound. 
Difficulty  in  chewing  and  swallowing,  and  indigestions 
arise  from  the  lack  of  saliva. 

Treatment.  Pass  the  calculus  onward  to  the  mouth  by 
manipulation  with  the  fingers,  or  this  faihng  lay  open  the 
duct  and  extract  it  from  within  the  mouth  if  possible. 
If  it  must  be  opened  through  the  skin,  first  shave  the  part, 
make  a  smaU  incision  with  a  sharp  knife,  extract  the  mass 
and  cover  the  wound  with  layer  after  layer  of  collodion, 
allowing  as  Httle  exposure  to  the  air  as  possible.  Allow 
no  food  whatever  for  twelve  hours  and  then  only  soft 
mashes  and  gruels  until  healing  is  completed. 

SALIVAKY  FISTULA. 

This  is  found  wherever  a  wound  penetrates  a  duct  of 
any  of  the  saHvary  glands.  It  is  especially  liable  to  oc- 
cur fi'om  opening  abscesses  in  strangles  and  from  woujids 
about  the  lower  jaw. 

Symptoms.  A  free  discharge  from  the  wound  during 
feeding,  of  a  clear,  shghtly  glairy  liquid,  especially  abun- 
dant where  the  food  is  dry  and  fibrous.  Chewing  is  slow, 
difficult,  and  carried  on  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  mouth 
only.  Digestion  and  general  health  are  gradually  im- 
paired. 

Treatment,  If  recent,  shave  the  edges  of  the  wound, 
bring  accurately  together  and  cover  with  collodion,  layer 


228  TJie  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

after  layer,  until  strong  enough  to  prevent  it  from  burst- 
ing open.  If  of  older  standing,  a  smart  blister  over  and 
around  the  wound  will  often  close  it.  Should  this  faD, 
the  edges  must  be  made  raw  by  paring  and  the  woui^d 
firmly  closed  by  carbolated  catgut  or  twisted  suture.  If 
the  channel  between  the  wound  and  the  mouth  has  be- 
come impervious,  a  new  one  must  be  made  and  kept  open 
by  a  thread  passed  through  it  and  retained  by  being  fixed 
to  a  flat  button  outside  and  in,  until  the  walls  are  no 
longer  raw  and  Hkely  to  adhere.  Then  the  thread  is  to  be 
withdrawn  and  the  external  wound  closed  by  stitching, 
bhster  or  collodion. 

In  all  such  cases  the  patient  must  be  tied  to  both  sides 
of  the  stall,  high  up,  so  that  he  cannot  possibly  rub  the 
wound,  and  diet  must  be  restricted  absolutely  to  soft 
mashes  and  gruels. 

In  obstinate  cases  a  forcible  injection  into  the  duct  of 
the  gland  of  a  solution  of  2  grs.  lunar  caustic  in  1  oz.  of 
alcohol,  will  usually  destroy  its  secreting  power. 

rNFLAMMATION  OF  THE  PAEOTID  GLAND. 

This  gland,  situated  behind  the  ear,  is  liable  to  inflam- 
mation from  mechanical  injuiy  and  obstruction  of  its  duct, 
as  well  as  in  strangles  and  other  specific  diseases. 

Symptoms,  A  hard  but  painful  tumefaction  beneath 
the  ear,  with  more  or  less  soft  doughy  feeling  at  its  mar- 
gins, stiff  carriage  of  the  head,  slow  difficult  chewing,  and 
more  or  less  general  fever. 

Treatment.  First  remove  any  obstruction  in  the  duct 
.or  mechanical  cause  of  irritation,  then  purge  (Glauber 
salts),  wash  the  mouth  with  weak  solutions  of  vinegar  or 
chlorate  of  potassa,  and  cover  the  affected  gland  with  a 
soft  poultice,  with  a  little  sugar  of  lead  added.  Feed  soft 
cool  mashes  and  sliced  or  pulped  roots  only,  and  when 
the  bowels  have  settled  give  cooLmg  diuretics  (nitrate  of 
potassa).  If  matter  forms  let  it  approach  the  siu'face  and 
point  before  opening,  to  avoid  cutting  any  of  the  ducts 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  220 

and  establishing  a  fistula.     If  it  gets  hard  and  insensible 
use  iodine  externally  and  internally. 

CHOKING. 

This  is  especially  common  in  cattle  feeding  on  roots, 
potatoes,  apples,  pears  and  the  like,  because  of  the  habit 
of  jerking  up  the  head  to  get  the  object  back  between  the 
gi-inders.  Pieces  of  leather,  bone,  etc.,  chewed  wantonly 
often  sHp  back  in  the  same  way.  Horses  suffer  mainly 
from  badly  shaped  balls  or  sharp -pointed  bodies,  dogs 
from  bones.  Kavenous  feeders  will  choke  on  dry  chaff, 
cut  hay,  etc.,  being  imperfectly  mixed  with  saliva,  and  the 
same  will  happen  in  cases  of  diseased  teeth  or  salivary 
fistula  or  calculus. 

Symptoms  of  pharyngeal  and  cervical  choldng.  When  the 
object  is  arrested  in  the  throat  or  neck  there  is  great  dis- 
tress, staring  eyes,  slavering,  violent  coughing  with  expul- 
sion of  dung  or  urine,  continuous  efforts  at  swallowing, 
and  in  cattle  tjonpany  of  the  first  stomach,  which  may 
suffocate  the  animal  in  fifteen  or  twenty  minutes.  I  have 
seen  an  animal  die  in  five  minutes  when  the  object  was 
lodged  directly  over  the  opening  of  the  windpipe.  In 
horses  there  is  in  addition  an  occasional  shriek,  and  wa- 
ter returns  by  the  nose  when  drinking  is  attempted.  In 
omnivora  and  carnivora  retching  and  vomiting  are  promi- 
nent symptoms.  A  careful  examination  along  the  furrow 
on  the  left  side  of  the  neck  wiU  usually  detect  the  offend- 
ing object. 

Symptoms  of  thoracic  choking.  If  the  object  is  lodged 
in  that  part  of  the  gullet  which  Hes  within  the  chest, 
cough,  slavering  and  gulping  may  be  absent,  but  there 
are  efforts  at  regurgitation  and  the  discharge  of  liquids 
by  the  mouth  (in  horses  the  nose).  This,  with  the  inabil- 
ity to  swallow  sohd  food,  is  very  characteristic.  Tympany 
is  usually  slight,  and  there  may  be  tremors  at  intervals. 

Symptoms  of  choking  with  finely  divided  dry  food.  These 
are  the  same  as  for  solid  masses,  according  to  the  situa- 


230  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tion,  but  in  addition  there  is  in  the  groove  on  the  left  side 
of  the  neck,  a  diffuse  soft  yielding  swelling,  provided  the 
obstruction  is  situated  above  the  chest. 

Treatment.  Sharp-pointed  bodies  lodged  in  the  thr(^nv 
must  be  carefully  sought  for  and  extracted.  Solid  objecU" 
in  this  region  can  usually  be  withdrawn  with  the  hand 
Have  the  animal  held  with  the  head  elevated  into  a  line 
with  the  neck  and  the  mouth  held  open  with  a  balling 
h'on  ;  then  the  tongue  being  dra^Ti  out  wdth  the  left  hand, 
the  right  is  passed  through  the  mouth  into  the  throat  and 
the  middle  finger  hooked  over  the  offending  body  so  as 
to  withdraw  it.  If  lodged  still  lower  it  may  often  be 
worked  up  into  the  throat  by  pressure  beneath  it  with  one 
hand  in  each  furrow  along  the  lower  border  of  the  neck. 
A  vigorous  jerk  at  the  last  seconded  by  the  action  of  the 
pharynx  will  often  lodge  it  in  the  mouth,  but  if  not  it  is 
easily  extracted  as  above  advised. 

Should  this  fail  and  tympany  prove  threatening  lose  no 
time  in  gagging  the  animal.  A  smooth  roller  of  wood 
two  inches  in  diameter  is  tied  into  the  mouth  by  cords 
carried  from  its  ends  around  the  top  of  the  head — behind 
the  horns  in  cattle.  Swelling  never  increases  dangerously 
with  this  apphed,  and  in  a  few  hours  the  obstruction 
usually  passes  on. 

More  prompt  relief  may  be  obtained  by  using  a  probang 
of  leather  or  other  material  with  a  spii'al  spring  wire  in- 
ternally, the  whole  two-thirds  of  an  iuch  in  diameter,  six 
feet  long,  and  with  one  end  enlarged  to  one  and  a  half 
inches  in  diameter  and  cup-shaped.  This  is  oiled  and 
the  head  having  been  brought  into  a  line  with  the  neck, 
the  balling  iron  introduced  and  the  tongue  drawn  out, 
the  cup-shaped  end  is  introduced  and  pushed  on  until  the 
obstruction  is  reached.  .  Steady  pressure  must  be  kept  up 
on  this  for  a  few  seconds,  when  it  will  yield  and  should  be 
passed  into  the  stomach  by  introducing  the  probang  to  its 
whole  length.  If  it  resists  leave  the  animal  for  an  hour 
or  two  gagged,  and  try  again.     In  the  horse  the  probang 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  231 

cannot  be  safely  passed  without  casting,  and  it  should 
never  be  passed  on  until  by  examination  in  the  furrow  on 
the  side  of  the  neck,  the  operator  has  ascertained  that  it 
has  entered  the  gullet  and  is  clear  of,  and  above  the 
windpipe.  For  the  small  animals  the  probang  must  h^ 
made  correspondingly  small. 

The  use  of  whips  and  such  like  objects  is  very  repre- 
hensible as  being  liable  to  tear  the  gullet.  An  effective 
probang  may  be  constructed  out  of  a  piece  of  stiff  new 
rope,  a  few  of  the  bundles  of  the  end  of  which  have  been 
opened  out  and  tied  back  so  as  to  form  a  cup-shaped 
extremity.  After  being  used  this  may  be  hung  up  straight 
on  several  nails  driven  into  the  wall  and  will  be  ready 
for  the  next  occasion. 

In  choking  with  finely  divided  food  the  probang  only 
packs  it  firmer,  and  gagging  and  time  wiU  rarely  dislodge 
it.  Pour  water  or  well-boiled  gi'uel  down,  and  seek  bj 
manipulation  to  break  up  the  mass  and  allow  it  to  pass  on 
little  by  little.  Instruments  have  also  been  devised  for 
extracting  the  obstructing  mass.  Faihng  otherwise,  the 
gullet  must  be  laid  open,  the  offending  matter  extracted, 
the  wounds  sewed  up,  and  the  animal  fed  for  a  time  on 
liquids  only. 

Horses  are  sometimes  choked  by  eggs  given  by  fooHsh 
grooms.  These  may  be  punctured  with  a  needle  and  then 
crushed  between  two  solid  bodies  on  different  sides  of  the 
neck. 

Prevention,  Besides  the  more  obvious  resort  of  wiih- 
holding  dangerous  articles,  the  mere  tying  down  of  tht«. 
head  will  prevent  choking  in  cattle  feeding  on  turnips, 
apples,  etc.  A  loop  of  rope  fixed  to  the  ground  is  td 
be  hung  over  the  horn  when  such  food  is  supplied.  Soh'cl 
food  should  be  to  a  large  extent  withheld  for  a  week  after 
the  rehef  of  choking,  until  the  slight  irritation  or  inflam- 
mation has  subsided. 


232  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

STRICrUEE  AND  DILATATION  OF  THE  GULLET. 

Tliese  usually  coexist,  the  first  giving  rise  to  the  second, 
because  of  habitual  accumulation  of  food  above  the  nar- 
row part.  The  narrowing  results  from  mechanical  injury 
in  choking,  etc.,  or  from  the  presence  of  a  worm  (spirop- 
tora)  which  Hves  in  galleries  on  the  mucous  membrane. 

The  symptoms  are  the  formation  of  an  extended  diffuse 
soft  swelling  along  the  furrow  on  the  left  side  of  the  neck, 
when  the  animal  feeds  or  drinks,  and  the  subsidence  of 
this  swelling  during  abstinence.  The  only  permanent 
treatment  is  by  bougies  or  probangs  passed  daily,  begin- 
ning with  those  that  will  just  pass  the  stricture,  and  using 
them  larger  as  the  former  ones  begin  to  pass  easily.  The 
food  must  be  restricted  to  soft  mashes  and  gi-uels. 

Cattle  are  usually  slaughtered  when  attacked  in  good 
condition. 

IMPACTION  OF  THE  CROP  IN  BIRDS. 

Symptoms.  "Want  of  appetite,  dullness,  sinking  of  the 
head  between  the  wings,  ruffled  plumage,  and  enormous 
and  firm  distension  of  the  crop,  easily  recognized  when 
the  bird  is  handled. 

Treatment  consists  in  pouring  down  tepid  water  and 
moulding  the  crop  so  as  to  force  its  contents  a  Httle  at  a 
time  back  into  the  mouth.  This  failing,  cut  the  crop  open, 
empty  it,  sew  up  the  wound,  and  feed  gruels  or  soft 
mush  for  a  few  days. 

TYMPANY  OF  THE  FIRST  STOMACH  IN  RUMINANTS.      HOOVE. 
BLOATING. 

Causes.  It  is  especially  common  in  weak,  ailing,  or  under- 
fed stock  when  put  on  rich  luxuriant  food,  especially  green 
food,  in  spring.  Some  food  is  dangerous,  such  as  clover 
(white  and  red) ;  green  food  covered  with  dew  or  hoar  frost, 
soaked  by  inundations  or  drying  after  a  shower ;  diseased 
or  frosted  potatoes  or  turnips  (roots  or  tops)  ;  partially 
ripened  but  uncured  grain  and  crowfoots  and  other  ac^rid 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  233 


plants.  It  may  be  caused  by  overloading  tlie  stomach 
with  sound  fodder,  by  the  presence  of  hair-balls  and  other 
foreign  bodies  in  the  stomach,  by  fever,  choking,  stricture 
or  parasites  in  the  gullet,  tuberculosis,  etc. 

Sijmptoms.  Swelling  of  the  whole  left 
Fig.  19.  side  of  the  beUy,  often  rising  above  the 
level  of  the  hips  and  backbone,  tense  and 
elastic  recoiling  at  once  when  pressed  in, 
and  drum-like  on  percussion.  There  is 
gi'eat  difficulty  of  breathing,  distended  nos- 
trils, bloodshot  eyes,  open  mouth,  driveling 
of  saliva,  occasional  belching  of  gas  with 
loud  noise,  and  frequent  passage  of  dung 
and  urine.  The  patient  stands  to  the  last 
and  falls  to  die  with  ruptured  diaphragm, 
or  stomach,  congested  lungs  and  profound 
nervous  shock. 

Treatment.  Gagging  is  alleged  to  suc- 
ceed as  in  choking,  but  I  have  not  tried 
it.  Dashing  a  bucket  of  cold  water  on  the 
body  may  give  temporary  relief  by  condens- 
ing the  gas  and  favoring  eructation.  The 
hoUow  probang  passed  into  the  stomach 
as  for  choking  will  aUow  the  escape  of 
the  gas.  In  urgent  cases  the  paunch 
must  be  punctured  with  the  first  instru- 
ment that  comes  to  hand,  and  the  open- 
ings in  the  stomach  and  the  skin  kept  in 
apposition  until  the  gas  flows  out.  The 
most  suitable  instrument  is  a  cannula  and 
trocar  at  least  six  inches  long  which  may 
be  plunged  without  fear  into  the  left  side  in  a 
<ic>wnward  and  inward  direction,  fi^om   a 

LL?''^''"^P°'^^^^^^^^"^^^*^^'«^  t^e  ^V  bone,  the 
.      . ,     *  ^^st  rib  and  the  lateral  processes  of  the 

backbone.      The   trocar    being   withdrawn    the    cannula 
may  be  tied  in  and  left  for  hours  or  da^^s.     In  the  absence 


234  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  these  a  pocket-knife  may  be  used,  and  should  be  kept 
in  the  wound  until  a  large  quill  can  be  obtained  and  held 
in  its  place.  A  smaller  trocar  like  that  used  for  hydro- 
thorax  in  horses  is  suitable  for  sheep  and  goats. 

When  urgent  cases  have  been  relieved  in  this  way,  and 
in  milder  cases  without  any  such  surgical  resort,  antifer- 
ments  and  antacids  must  be  given  ;  aromatic  spirit  of  am- 
monia, (ox  3  oz.,  sheep  1  oz.,)  crystalline  sesquicarbonate 
of  ammonia  (ox  1  oz.,  sheep  3  drs.,)  oil  of  turpentine,  (ox 
2  oz.,  sheep  ^  oz.  in  oil,  milk  or  eggs  well  mixed,)  whisky^ 
brandy  or  gin,  (ox  1  to  2  pts.,  sheep  \  pt.,)  ether,  pepper, 
ginger,  oil  of  peppermint,  etc.,  in  full  doses,  v/ood  tar  (ox 
2  oz.,  sheep  ^  oz.,)  carbolic  acid  or  creosote,  (ox  2  drs., 
sheep  \  dr.  in  a  pint  of  water,)  sulphite,  hyposulphite  or 
bisulphite  of  soda,  (ox  1  oz.,  sheep  2  drs.,)  chloride  of  lime 
or  chlorate  of  potassa.  Antacids  (potassa,  soda,  ammonia, 
and  their  carbonates  ;  soapsuds  and  lime-water,)  check  the 
fermentation  by  neutralizing  the  acidity.  Care  should  be 
taken  to  see  (by  tasting)  that  they  are  not  used  in  too 
strong  and  irritating  solutions. 

A  dose  of  physic  is  usually  necessary  to  clear  off  the 
offensive  food,  and  should  be  accompanied  by  a  stimulant 
(sulphate  of  soda  and  ginger). 

Chronic  tympany  due  simply  to  indigestion  may  be 
remedied  by  careful  dieting  and  a  course  of  tonics,  (foenu- 
grec,  oxide  of  iron,  carbonate  of  soda  and  common  salt  in 
equal  parts,  nux  vomica  2  drachms  to  every  pound  of  the 
mixture.     Dose  :  ox  1  oz.,  sheep  2  drs.,  daily  in  food). 

For  chronic  tympany  due  to  foreign  bodies  in  the  paunch 
gee  below. 

OVEBLOADED  PAUNCH. 

This  differs  from  the  last  in  that  the  paunch  is  over- 
loaded, overstretched  and  paralyzed  by  excess  of  solid  food, 
rather  than  gas.  Rich,  tempting  and  unusual  food  (lus- 
cious grass,  clover,  lucern,  vetches,  tares,  beans,  peas, 
grain,)  is  especially  dangerous,  as  is  food  which  ferments 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  235 


with  the  formation  of  a  fine  frothy  mass,  (potatoes,  espe- 
cially diseased  or  frosted  ones,)  food  containing  a  narcotic 
or  paralyzing  principle,  (green  Indian  corn,  partiaUy 
ripened  wheat,  barley,  oats,  beans,  peas,  tares  and  gi-asses,) 
bulky,  dry,  fibrous,  innutritions  aliments,  (aftermath  mixed 
with  old  withered  stems  of  a  former  growth,  hay  that  has 
ripened  before  being  cut,  dried  sedges  and  nishes,  stalks 
of  ripened  beans,  peas,  etc.,)  and  finally  musty,  rusty  or 
otherwise  mjured  hay.  SaHvary  fistula  or  obstruction 
and  worn  or  diseased  teeth  may  contribute  to  it. 

Sj/m.pfonis.  Develop  more  slowly  than  in  tympany. 
There  is  dulhiess,  sluggishness,  raised  back,  hurried  breath- 
ing, and  frequent  moaning.  The  abdomen  swells,  espe- 
cially the  left  side,  but  it  hangs  downward,  has  no  absolute 
di-um-like  resonance  on  tapping,  and  pressure  leaves  a 
temporary  indentation.  As  the  disease  advances  there  is 
the  same  difficult  breathiiig  as  in  tympany,  frequent  pas- 
sage of  dung  and  urine,  stupor  and  finally  sufi'ocation  or 
death  fi^om  nervous  shock.  If  due  to  gi^een  food,  diarrhoea 
usually  precedes  death,  and  a  spontaneous  cure  may  be 
effected  by  this  or  by  vomiting,  but  only  in  rare  cases. 

Treatment.  In  the  first  stages  give  stimulants  and  anti- 
ferments,  as  for  tympany,  with  active  but  not  irritating 
purgatives  to  unload  the  stomach.  A  pound  each  ol 
Epsom  and  Glauber  salts,  2  oz.  oil  of  turpentine,  and  -i- 
drachm  of  nux  vomica  will  be  a  suitable  dose  for  an  ox,  to 
be  followed  up  by  stimulants,  and  in  seven  hours,  if  no 
relief,  by  a  second  dose  of  the  same  strength.  If  drum-Hke 
resonance  at  the  upper  part  of  the  left  side  shows  the 
pressure  of  free  gas,  draw  it  off  by  puncturmg,  and  dash 
cold  water  over  the  body  to  encourage  contraction  of  the 
paunch.  Give  active  stimulants  every  two  or  three  hours. 
If  there  is  no  sign  of  improvement  but  rather  stupor 
and  sinking,  the  only  hope  is  in  opening  the  stomach  in 
the  left  side  where  it  is  punctured  in  tympany,  enlargmg 
the  opening  until  the  hand  can  be  introduced,  having  two 
assistants  hold  the  edges  of  the  wound  in  the  stomach 


236  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

against  tliose  in  the  skin,  taking  out  at  least  two-thirds  oi 
the  contents  of  the  paunch,  sewing  up  the  wound  in  the 
stomach  with  the  edges  turned  in,  and  that  in  the  skin, 
and  keeping  on  a  Httle  gruel  and  soft  mashes  for  a  week. 
This  operation  can  be  performed  standing,  the  right  side 
of  the  animal  applied  against  a  stone  wall,  and  the  nose 
held  by  bull-dog  pincers  or  even  by  the  fingers.  It  usually 
succeeds  if  resorted  to  early  enough. 

IMPACTION   OF    THE   THIRD   STOMACH.      DRY   MURRAIN.      GRASS 

STAGGERS. 

Adrybakedstateof  the  contents  of  the  manifolds  is  found 
in  all  feverish  conditions,  in  torpid  or  inactive  states  of  the 
paunch,  with  impaired  or  suspended  rumination,  in  case  of 
feeding  on  dry,  fibrous,  indigestible  elements  (bleached  with- 
ered hay  or  tliat  which  has  been  over-ripened,  or  a  mixture 
of  fresh  and  dry  grass  in  autumn,)  on  a  sudden  change  to  the 
over-stimulating  fresh  grass  of  spring,  on  smutty  maize, 
cornstalks  or  wheat,  on  a  deficiency  of  water,  or  a  sudden 
change  from  soft  to  hard  water,  or  on  taking  lead  into  the  sys- 
tem in  a  metallic  condition  or  otherwise.  The  most  rapidly 
fatal  cases  result  from  green  food,  over-ripe  but  uncured 
grain,  vetches,  or  rye-grass,  and  from  lead  poisoning.  Breed- 
ing ewes  when  fed  grain  become  impacted,  stupid,  delirious. 
Symptoms.  Slight  cases  may  be  marked  by  failure  to 
chew  the  cud  regularly  when  recovering  from  a  fever,  a  poor 
appetite,  dry  muzzle,  dull  eyes,  spiritlessness,  quickened 
breathing  with  a  moan  at  intervals  roused  at  any  time  by 
forcibly  punching  the  closed  fist  beneath  the  short  ribs  on 
the  right  side.  If  it  has  lasted  several  days  the  fist  pressed 
into  the  left  side  may  detect  the  contents  of  the  paunch  col- 
lected in  hard  masses,  and  tympany  is  likely  to  be  present. 
The  dimg  is  usually  scanty  and  hard,  but  in  cases  occurring 
from  fibrous  or  irritating  food,  this  costiveness  is  preceded 
by  more  or  less  diarrhoea.  The  beast  leaves  its  fellows, 
reclines  on  its  left  side,  with  the  head  in  the  right  flank, 
and  tends  by-and-by  to  show  palsy  of  the  hind  limbs, 
drowsiness  and  stupor,  or  delirium  and  convulsions. 


Dasvascs  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  237 


In  the  more  acute  cases,  death  may  ensue  in  six  hours. 
The  animal  is  found  apart,  lying  with  his  head  in  his 
right  flank,  with  red  fixed  eyes,  eyelids  half  closed,  and 
much  drowsiness  and  stupor  though  he  may  still  feed  when 
raised,  pulse  and  breathing  accelerated,  bowels  loose  oi 
torpid,  hardness  and  tenderness  under  the  right  short  ribs, 
and  muscular  tremors.  Later  the  eyes  glare,  the  patient 
seeks  relief  in  motion,  in  a  straight  line  or  to  one  side 
regardless  of  obstacles,  and  pushing  against  obstructing 
walls  or  fences  till  teeth  or  horns  are  broken,  bellowing 
loudly  and  in  a  terrific  manner  all  the  time. 

Treatment,  For  the  simpler  forms  give  strong  purga- 
tives, (sulphate  of  soda,  ox  1  lb.,  sheep  6  oz.  with  common 
salt,  molasses  and  croton,)  stimulants  (ginger,  carbonate  of 
ammonia,)  and  abundance  of  water  or  w^atery  fluids.  The 
stimulants  may  be  repeated  at  intervals  of  three  hours, 
and  accompanied  by  injections  of  warm  water.  If  no  re 
lief  is  obtained  in  twelve  hours,  repeat  the  purgative  and 
if  any  tenderness  of  the  right  side  exists,  bhster  it  with 
mustard  and  turpentine  (for  sheep  use  ammonia  and  oil). 
If  the  kidneys  act  profusely,  change  the  purgative,  giving 
castor  or  Hnseed-oil.  Even  after  free  action  of  the  bowels 
it  is  usually  necessary  to  feed  gi-een  food,  roots  or  soft 
mashes,  to  give  all  the  water  that  will  be  taken,  and  even 
to  add  shght  laxatives  to  insure  the  perfect  breaking  up 
of  all  the  impaction. 

In  the  acute  forms  of  the  disease  with  irritation  of  the 
stomach  the  blandest  purgatives  only  (linseed,  oHve,  or 
castor-oil,)  must  be  used  with  nux  vomica,  injections  and  a 
blister  on  the  right  side  over  the  short  ribs,  and  cold  water 
or  ice-bags  to  the  head.  Should  the  victims  become  deliri- 
ous, fasten  to  a  strong  post  round  which  they  can  move,  or 
to  a  ring  fixed  in  the  gi-ound.  When  recovery  ensues,  fol- 
low up  with  a  course  of  bitt  sr  tonics,  (gentian,  willow  bark 
uux  vomica,  boneset,  etc.^ 


238  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

GASTRITIS  IN  OXEN. 

The  acute  impactions  of  the  manifolds  are  usually  com- 
plicated with  congestion,  and  the  chronic  impactions  lead 
to  it.  Inflammation  also  results  from  over-stimulating 
food,  (spring  grass,  clover,  tares,  green  corn,  etc.,)  fi'om 
dry  heating  aliment,  (excess  of  corn  meal,  Hnseed  cake, 
rape  cake,  cotton  cake,)  from  wild  mustard  and  other  ir- 
ritants, from  poor,  hard,  fibrous  food,  from  suspension  of 
rumination  during  prolonged  hard  work,  and  from  min- 
eral and  vegetable  irritants. 

Symptoms.  In  mild  cases,  from  heating  or  poor  food, 
there  are  dullness,  moaning,  trembling,  straining  and  fre- 
quent passage  of  dung  in  small  quantities,  hot,  clammy, 
slightly  reddened  mouth,  dry  muzzle,  sharp  accelerated 
pulse,  fullness  and  tenderness  of  the  belly,  and  the  pres- 
ence of  solid  masses  of  food  in  the  paunch  as  felt  on  the 
left  side  when  pressed  with  the  fist. 

The  more  active  forms,  resulting  from  green  food  or  ir- 
ritants, are  manifested  by  the  same  symptoms  as  acute 
impaction  of  the  third  stomach,  with  the  addition  of  a 
tense  abdomen,  not  dependent  on  the  paunch,  increasing 
tenderness,  and  increased  temperature  of  the  body.  There 
may  be  diarrhoea  or  costiveness  or  one  after  the  other, 
and  it  may  end  in  stupor  or  convulsions. 

Treatment.  In  the  milder  forms  give  a  quart  of  linseed 
or  olive-oil  and  2  drs.  Dover's  powder.  Even  Epsom  or 
Glauber  salts  may  be  used  with  drachm  doses  -of  hyoscy- 
amus  or  belladonna  as  often  as  may  be  requisite  to  keep 
down  violent  suffering.  Give  all  the  water  the  patient  wiU 
drink,  adding  a  little  decoction  of  linseed,  sHppery  elm  or 
maUow ;  also  frequent  injections  of  warm  water,  and  warm 
fomentations  to  the  abdomen  foUowed  by  a  blister.  Brain 
symptoms  must  be  treated  as  advised  under  impaction  of 
the  third  stomach.  FoUow  up  with  a  course  of  tonics 
after  relief  is  obtained. 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  239 


INDIGESTION  IN  WORKING  OXEN  FROM  DRINKING  COLD  WATER. 

This  occurs  in  hard-working  oxen,  coming  from  a  clust> 
road  in  a  hot  day  and  drinking  to  excess.  There  are  vio- 
lent colicky  pains,  uneasy  sliifting  of  the  hind  limbs,  lying 
<lown  and  rising,  looking  at  the  flanks,  and  a  fullness  and 
gurglmg  on  the  right  side  of  the  abdomen.  It  may  pass 
in  half  an  hour  to  an  hour  with  a  free  watery  diarrhoea. 
T'reatrnent  consists  in  exercise,  walking  or  trotting,  and  a 
stimulating  draught— pepper,  ginger,  fennel,  caraway, 
peppermint,  ammonia,  alcohol  and  the  like. 

INDIGESTION  IN  CALVES,  LAMBS  AND  FOALS.      WHITE  SCOUR. 

This  may  result  from  a  great  variety  of  causes,  such  as 
withholdmg  the  first  (laxative)  milk  after  parturition, 
feeding  new-born  calves  on  the  milk  of  old  calved  cows, 
bringing  up  foals  or  lambs  on  cow's  milk,  working,  over- 
drivmg  or  otherwise  excitmg  the  dams,  feeding  unwhole- 
some food  to  the  dams,  allowing  too  long  intervals  be- 
tween the  meals  of  the  young,  bringing  up  on  hand  on 
cold  or  soured  milk  or  farinaceous  food,  keeping  in  damp 
unwholesome  pens,  or  the  accumulation  of  pellets  of  hair 
in  the  stomach. 

Symptoms.  Irregular  (impaired  or  even  ravenous)  ap- 
petite, swollen,  tender,  dmm-like  abdomen,  sour  eructa- 
tions, profuse  foetid  white  watery  diarrhoea,  white  or  gi-ay- 
ish  fur  on  the  tongue,  dry,  scurfy,  unthrifty  skin,  and  rapid 
emaciation* 

Treatm^ent.  Give  a  dose  of  1  to  2  ozs.  castor-oil  (J  for 
lambs)  with  a  teaspoonful  of  laudanum.  Then  with  each 
meal  give  a  tablespoonful  from  a  bottle  of  sherry  in  which 
i-  of  the  fresh  fourth  stomach  of  a  caK  has  been  steeped. 
Or  with  this  give  a  carminative  (1  oz.  tincture  of  cinna- 
mon) with  an  antacid  (prepared  chalk  or  magnesia  1  di\) 
and  soothmg  or  anodyne  agents  (gum  Arabic,  bismuth,) 
with,  it  may  be,  an  astringent  (tincture  of  kino  or  catechu 
1  dr.)  If  there  is  much  tenderness  of  the  abdomen  ap- 
ply a  pulp  of  mustard  and  water.     If  yellowness  of  tlie 


240  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

mucous  membranes  and  white,  very  foetid  dung,  give  2 
grs.  calomel  and  5  gi's.  chalk  twice  daily.  In  all  cases 
give  fresh,  warm,  wholesome  milk  thrice  a  day,  with  sev- 
eral spoonfuls  of  lime-water  added  to  each  meal.  In 
some  instances  the  tone  of  the  stomach  may  be  greatly 
restored  by  a  tablespoonful  of  tincture  of  gentian  twice  a 
day. 

Prevention  should  be  sought  in  breeding  only  vigorous 
families,  sheltering  properly,  and  feeding  the  milk  of  the 
dam  or  of  a  healthy  nurse  unaltered  by  faulty  feeding  or 
excitement,  or  by  standing.  When  a  foal  must  be  brought 
up  on  cow's  milk,  dilute  with  one-third  its  bulk  of  warm 
water,  sweeten  with  sugar  and  add  lime-water.  For  the 
carnivora  use  only  the  upper  third  of  cow's  milk. 

ACUTE   GASTRIC   INDIGESTION  IN   THE   HORSE.      TYMPANY. 

This  results  from  sudden  filling  of  the  stomach  to  excess, 
from  suspended  digestion  in  connection  with  hard  work 
immediately  after  a  meal,  from  the  washing  on  of  im- 
digested  food,  from  a  full  drink  after  a  feed  of  grain,  from 
certain  indigestible  and  easily  fermented  aliments,  such  as 
cause  t3rmpany  in  the  ox,  from  irritant  plants,  and  from 
hurried  swallowing  of  hot  cooked  food. 

Symptoms,  These  appear  just  after  feeding  and  are  at 
first  those  of  simple  colic,  (see  Spasmodic  Colic)  soon 
followed  by  fuUness  and  tension  of  the  belly,  a  drum-like 
sound  when  it  is  percussed,  quickened,  deep,  oppressed 
breathing,  dullness  and  increasing  stupor.  The  pain  is 
continuous  though  of  varying  intensity,  there  is  no  dispo- 
sition to  eat  or  drink,  draughts  administered  tend  to 
aggravate  the  symptoms,  the  sufferer  yawns,  places  his 
fore  feet  apart,  arches  the  neck  drawing  in  the  nose  toward 
the  breast,  and  in  exceptional  cases,  may  obtain  relief  by 
belching  gas,  or  even  by  vomiting,  the  food  escaping 
mainly  through  the  nose.  More  commonly  the  occurrence 
of  vomiting  implies  rupture  of  the  stomach  and  presages 
death.     The  pulse  then  becomes  rapid,  weak  and  soon 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  241 

imperceptible,  and  the  countenance  very  haggard  and  de- 
jected. In  the  advanced  stages  the  animal  is  usually  sunk 
in  stupor,  and  rests  his  head  on  the  manger  or  pushes  it 
against  the  wall,  while  in  some  instances  nervous  more- 
ments  of  the  lips  and  Hmbs  occur. 

Treatment.  Give  early,  full  doses  of  aromatics,  stimu- 
lants and  tonics,  (tincture  of  pimento  or  gkiger,  oil  of 
peppermint,  aqua  ammonia,  ether,  alcohol,  chloral,  peppers, 
nux  vomica,  etc.,)  rub  the  belly,  and  if  relieved,  follow  up 
with  a  dose  of  physic.  Alkalies  are  sometimes  useful,  as 
in  the  ox.  Warm  water  injections  and  walking  exercise 
should  also  be  given.  The  stomach  of  the  horse  cannot 
be  safely  punctured,  hence  the  affection  is  too  often  fatal. 
When  relieved  give  easily  digested  food  frequently  in  small 
quantity,  until  the  stomach  has  regained  its  tone.  When 
horses  bolt  their  food  give  a  little  hay  to  appease  hunger 
before  allowing  grain. 

ACUTE   INTESTINAL  INDIGESTION  IN  THE   HORSE. 
TYMPANITIC   COLIC. 

Due  to  the  same  causes  as  gastric  tympany,  this  often 
complicates  that,  and  is  complicated  by  it,  the  disease 
being  named  according  to  the  predominance  of  the 
gaseous  evolution  in  stomach  or  bowels.  When  the 
bowels  are  mainly  implicated,  there  is  greater  hope,  as 
medicines  may  be  passed  through  the  stomach  and  taken 
up  from  the  gut  so  as  to  affect  the  system,  and  the  gas 
may  even  be  di*awn  off  with  a  small  cannula  and  trocar 
from  the  large  intestines  which  occupy  the  lower  part  of 
the  abdomen.  The  puncture  should  be  made  where  tlie 
resonance  is  clearest  and  most  drum-like.  The  symptoms 
closely  resemble  those  of  tympanitic  stomach,  only  there 
is  more  passage  of  dung  and  flatus,  and  the  treatment  only 
differs  in  the  greater  freedom  with  which  liquids  may  be 
poured  into  the  stomach  and  the  possibility  of  drawing  ofi 
the  gas  through  a  cannula. 
IG 


242  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

IMPACTION   OF  THE  LAEGE  INTESTINES  IN   HORSES. 

This  results  from  overfeeding,  especially  on  grain, 
(Indian  com,  wheat,)  from  hard,  fibrous,  indigestible  food 
taken  in  excess  to  make  up  for  the  deficiency  of  quahty ; 
from  imperfect  preparation  of  the  food  in  diseases  of  the 
teeth,  jaws  or  saHvary  glands  ;  from  insufficiency  of  water, 
and  emiuently  fi'om  want  of  exercise. 

Symptoms.  Considerable  impaction  may  last  for  a  time 
without  any  sign,  and  the  disease  finally  shows  itself  sud- 
denly as  a  violent  cohc.  More  commonly  transient  coHcs 
come  on  after  meals  for  several  days  in  succession.  There 
are  pawing  with  the  fore  feet,  uneasy  movements,  or  kickiag 
of  the  belly  with  the  hind,  lying  down  and  rising  at  shoi-t 
intervals,  turning  of  the  nose  toward  the  flank,  and  the 
frequent  passage  of  wind  and  of  dung,  the  latter  a  few 
small  pellets  at  a  time.  There  is  special  fullness  and 
tension  of  the  right  side  of  the  belly,  dullness  on  per- 
cussion, soHd  resistance  when  pressed,  and  if  the  soaped 
hand  is  introduced  through  the  last  gut  the  soHdly  im- 
pacted bowels  are  usually  to  be  felt.  The  pressure  of 
these  on  the  bladder  often  causes  frequent  discharges  of 
urine.  A  favorite  position  is  one  with  the  fore  limbs 
stretched  forward  and  the  hind  backward. 

Treatment.  In  mild  cases  and  in  the  early  stages  give  a 
laxative  diet  (roots,  soft  bran  mashes,  oil  meal,  cornstalks,) 
and  two  or  three  ounces  of  Glauber  salts  daily  in  the  food. 
In  the  more  severe,  give  aloes,  physostigma,  gentian  and 
nux  vomica,  and  in  case  of  tympany,  carbonate  of  ammonia 
or  peppermint ;  relieve  pain  by  hyoscyamus  or  belladonna, 
and  follow  up  with  frequent  injections  of  warm  water,  and 
frictions  and  fomentations  of  the  abdomen.  The  aloes 
should  not  be  repeated  under  twenty-four  hours,  but  ii 
there  is  evidence  of  their  having  passed  off  by  the  kidneys 
they  may  be  replaced  by  linseed  or  olive-oil.  The  action 
of  the  bowels  may  be  deferred  three  or  four  days  without 
a  fatal  result  whereas  too  much  mediciae  will  often  cause 
rupture  of  the  gut  in  front  of  the  impaction. 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  243 

Prevention  should  be  sought  by  a  more  laxative  diet,  by 
a  liberal  supply  of  water,  by  exercise,  or  even  by  daily 
doses  of  1  or  2  oz.  of  sulphate  of  soda  in  the  food.  The 
addition  of  2  di-achms  of  powdered  gentian  and  10  gi'S.  of 
nux  vomica  will  often  restore  lost  tone  to  the  bowels. 

CATARRH  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS  IN  HORSES. 

This  is  a  form  of  chronic  indigestion  resulting  from 
faults  in  diet,  as  regards  quality,  quantity  and  regularity 
from  a  habit  of  bolting  food ;  from  starvation  and  hard 
work  ;  from  a  sudden  access  of  rich  food ;  from  the  irrita- 
tion of  worms  ;  from  congested  or  torpid  liver ;  fi'om 
impaction  of  the  bowels  or  fi'om  any  irritant  in  the  food. 

Symptoms.  Unthrifty  appearance,  rough  coat,  hide- 
bound, irregular  or  capricious  appetite,  dullness  at  work, 
emaciation,  tucked  up  belly,  clammy,  furred  tongue,  irreg- 
ularit}^  of  the  bowels,  diarrhoea  alternating  with  constipa- 
tion, hard  balls  of  imperfectly  digested  dung  covered  with 
a  film  of  mucus,  foetid  sour  odor  of  stools,  and  an  inclina- 
tion to  lick  the  white  walls  or  fresh  earth. 

Treatment.  A  carefully  regidated  and  easily  digested 
diet,  (green  food,  sound  hay,  ground  oats,  roots,)  moderate 
regular  exercise,  a  clean,  warm,  comfortable  stable,  rock 
salt  to  Hck  at  will,  and  a  course  of  tonics,  (gentian  with  nux 
vomica,  white  bismuth,  and  sulphate  of  soda,)  morning  and 
evening.  Change  from  one  tonic  to  another  as  they  seem 
to  lose  their  effect.  Slippery  elm,  boiled  linseed,  mallow, 
etc.,  are  often  useful  in  checking  iiTitation. 

VOMITING. 

This  is  common  in  carnivora  and  pigs  but  exceedingly 
rare  in  cattle,  and  still  more  so  in  horses,  asses  and 
mules.  It  may  be  due  to  a  great  variety  of  causes,  as  di- 
rect irritation  of  the  stomach  by  food,  poison,  congestion  or 
inflammation,  disease  of  the  brain,  or  of  some  other  organ, 
which  profoundly  affects  the  system,  or  which  like  the 
throat  or  gullet  has  intimate  nervous  relations  with  the 


244  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

stomach.  It  is  therefore  mostly  a  symptom  of  other  dis- 
eases, and  in  many  cases  of  gastric  irritation  is  a  means 
of  reb'ef.  When  due  to  direct  irritation  of  the  stomach 
favor  it  by  giving  tepid  water  freely.  When  emptied,  the 
stomach  may  be  soothed  by  ice,  iced  water,  prussic  acid, 
creosote,  carbolic  acid,  bismuth,  nux  vomica,  lemon-juice, 
camphor,  etc.  Gum  and  albumen  may  often  be  given  to 
sheath  the  irritated  organ,  and  a  blister  may  be  placed 
on  the  pit  of  the  stomach. 

DEPRAVED  APPETITE. 

Seen  in  dyspeptic  horses,  eating  earth,  lime,  etc.,  in  rabid 
dogs  swallowing  all  sorts  of  things,  and  in  cows  eating 
chalk,  earth,  sand,  gi-avel,  wood,  leather,  iron  bolts,  and 
articles  of  clothing,  hair,  bones,  lead,  etc.  In  many  cases 
what  is  begun  as  a  habit  is  continued  as  a  disease,  the 
foreign  bodies  in  the  stomach  deranging  the  digestion  and 
keeping  up  a  morbid  craving.  Pregnancy,  tuberculosis, 
and  a  deficiency  of  phosphates  in  the  soil  and  food  are 
occasional  causes  in  cows.  The  habit  should  be  checked 
by  keeping  tempting  objects  out  of  reach,  dealing  with 
tuberculosis  and  chronic  gastric  catarrh  as  advised  under 
those  heads,  with  a  deficiency  of  phosphates,  by  an 
abundant  artificial  feeding  on  sound  grains  and  a  course 
of  tonics,  and  with  indigestible  bodies  in  the  stomach,  by 
a  careful  feeding  to  prepare  the  beast  for  slaughter,  or  thai 
failing  by  opening  the  paunch  on  the  left  side  and  remov- 
ing the  offendmg  agent  (see  impacted  paunch), 

FOEEIGN  BODIES  IN  STOMACH  AND  INTESTINES. 

These  may  be  taken  in  by  accident  with  the  food  or 
may  be  deposited  fi-om  it  in  the  form  of  calculi  or  con- 
cretions. 

Cattle  suffer  much  from  sharp-pointed  bodies  like  nee- 
dles, pins,  nails,  etc.,  taken  with  the  food,  and  afterward 
making  theu'  way  to  the  heart  which  they  penetrate,  causing 
sudden  death,  or  in  more  favorable  cases  making  their  way 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  245 


through  the  walls  of  the  abdomen  and  escaping.  Blunt 
objects  remain  in  the  paunch  and  honeycomb-bag,  causing 
much  or  little  irritation  according  to  size  or  number.  The 
most  varied  objects  are  often  found  in  cattle  slaugh- 
tered for  beef  and  in  good  health,  nails,  coin,  shot,  solder, 
buttons,  and  hair-balls,  are  among  the  most  common.  I 
have  known  fifteen  hair-balls  from  three  to  six  inches  in 
diameter  in  the  paunch  of  a  healthy  fat  heifer.  In  suckmg 
calves,  in  which  they  form  in  the  true  stomach,  they  cause 
dyspepsia,  diarrhoea,  and  emaciation. 

Sheep  suffer  fi'om  wool-balls,  from  the  fine  hairs  of  clover 
and  other  ahments,  and  fi-om  collections  of  sand  and  gravel 
when  fed  turnips  from  damp  soil. 

Sioine  have  balls  of  bristles  in  the  stomach  and  large 
intestines. 

Horses  have  concretions  of  phosphate  of  lime,  with 
smooth  stony  surface ;  of  ammonia-magnesian  phosphate 
with  rough  crystalline  structure ;  of  the  fine  hairs  from 
the  surface  of  the  oat  with  a  fine  velvety  surface ;  and  of 
two  or  more  of  those  mixed  in  one  calculus.  These  are 
formed  equally  in  the  stomach  and  large  intestines. 

Dogs  have  hair-balls  mainly  in  the  large  intestines,  as 
well  as  marbles  and  other  objects  picked  up  in  play. 

These  foreign  bodies  may  exist  without  any  manifest 
result,  or  they  may  cause  tympany  in  cattle  and  sheep 
after  every  meal,  vomiting  in  dogs  and  pigs,  acute  indiges- 
tion in  the  horse,  and  in  all  animals  in  which  they  are 
lodged  in  the  intestines,  obstruction  of  their  passage,  and 
violent  coUcs  which  recur  frequently,  and  usiially  cut  the 
animal  off  sooner  or  later. 

In  ruminants  the  offending  bodies  may  be  removed  from 
the  stomach  by  a  surgical  operation,  but  in  others  little 
can  be  done  beyond  giving  anodynes  (opium,  belladonna^ 
stramonium,  etc.,)  to  relieve  pain  and  spasm  and  await 
the  result.  A  dose  of  physic  would  carry  off  the  smaller 
calculi  but  would  be  dangerous  in  the  large.  But  these 
cases  can  rarely  be  recognized  until  after  death,  and  are 


246  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

necessarily  classed  with  a  number  of  others,  (invagination, 
constriction,  etc.,  of  the  bowels,)  in  which  there  is  irreme- 
diable obstiTiction,  and  which  end  sooner  or  later  in  death. 

SPASMODIC    COLIC.      BELLY-ACHE. 

This  term  is  loosely  used  to  designate  all  conditions  in 
which  there  is  pain  iii  the  belly,  whether  from  disease  of 
liver,  pancreas,  urinary  organs,  generative  apparatus, 
stomach  or  bowels,  and  whether  caused  by  nervous  irrita- 
tion, inflammation,  improper  position,  strangulation  or 
compression  by  adjacent  organs,  obstruction  by  foreign 
bodies,  etc.,  etc.  The  present  remarks  ^dll  be  confined  to 
that  which  is  more  purely  nervous  and  which  results  from 
spasmodic  contraction  (cramps)  of  the  bowels. 

In  certain  susceptible  states  of  the  system  a  slight  indi- 
gestion, without  impaction  or  tj^mpany,  the  taking  of  indi- 
gestible matters  that  would  have  been  harmless  at  another 
time,  a  drink  of  ice-cold  water  when  perspiring  and  exhaus- 
ted, a  chill  rain  or  dew  will  cause  spasms  and  the  most 
excruciating  agony. 

Symptoms.  The  attack  is  sudden,  the  horse  paws, 
moves  uneasily,  kicks  at  the  belly,  looks  at  the  flanks  with 
anxious  countenance,  dilated  nostrils  and  glaring  eye, 
crouches  with  semi-bent  limbs  for  a  few  seconds  and  then 
throws  himself  do-^Ti  with  a  prolonged  groan.  He  rolls, 
lies  on  his  back,  sits  on  his  haunches  and  may  get  up, 
shake  himseK,  take  to  feeding  and  appear  quite  well. 
Another  fit  comes  on  in  ten,  fiiteen,  twenty  or  thirty  min- 
utes, and  after  each  there  is  a  period  of  freedom  from  pain, 
with  natural  pulse  and  breathing.  This  with  the  reckless 
manner  in  which  he  Hes  down,  and  the  entii-e  absence  of 
tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  or  of  elevated  temperature, 
serve  to  distinguish  from  other  bowel  diseases,  especially 
inflammation.  Each  succeeding  attack  may  be  less  severe 
until  they  cease,  or  they  may  increase  in  severity  and  the 
disease  merge  into  acute  tympanitic  indigestion  or  enteritis. 

In  cattle  there  are  similar  symptoms  with  uneasy  shift- 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs  247 


ing  of  the  hind  limbs,  kicking  with  the  upper  one  when 
down,  twisting  of  the  tail  and  moaning.  It  rarely  lasts 
over  an  hour  or  two. 

Dogs  curl  themselves  up  to  rest,  but  move  uneasily  or 
moan,  and  with  the  more  violent  pains  start  up  with  a 
sudden  yelp,  move  around  for  some  time  and  he  down 
until  the  next  spasm  comes  on.  The  eye  is  bright,  the 
nose  cool  and  moist,  the  pulse  natural,  and  the  appetite 
retained. 

Treatment,  In  all  animals  ahke,  a  laxative  (aloes,  horse ; 
linseed-oil,  cattle  and  sheep  ;  castor-oil,  pigs  and  dogs,)  is 
the  safest  treatment  as  it  soon  relieves  the  spasm  and 
carries  off  any  irritant  that  may  have  contributed  to  main- 
tain it.  It  is  usually  desirable  to  add  an  anodyne  (bella- 
donna, hyoscyamus,  opium,  aconite,  chloral-hydrate,) 
to  relieve  the  pain  until  the  laxative  is  absorbed,  and  a 
stimulant  anti-spasmodic  (carbonate  of  ammonia,  sweet 
spirits  of  nitre,  ether,)  to  quiet  the  nervous  excitement. 
Copious  injections  of  warm  water  with  or  without  anodynes 
and  anti-spasmodics  are  not  to  be  neglected,  neither  is 
quiet  walking  exercise.  If  the  affection  appears  purely 
spasmodic  the  laxative  may  be  withheld  until  two  doses 
of  anodynes  and  anti-spasmodics  have  been  given  at  in- 
tervals of  half  an  hour,  but  should  these  fail,  give  the 
openmg  medicine  at  once,  and  then  only  enough  of  the 
other  agents  to  moderate  excessive  pain  until  it  has  had 
time  to  be  absorbed.  Complete  relief  may  be  looked  for  in 
three  or  four  hours. 

ACUTE  HEMORRHAGIC  ENTERITIS. 

This  is  very  common  in  hard-working  horses  in  some 
localities  and  is  also  seen  in  cattle,  sheep,  swine  and  dogs. 
It  may  follow  unrelieved  obstruction  of  the  bowels,  espe- 
cially if  these  have  been  treated  by  powerful  opiates  and 
stimulants  or  dangerously  irritant  purgatives.  To  these 
must  be  added  excessive  fatigue,  heavy,  hurried  feeding, 
and  diinking  iced  water,  exposure  to  a  cold  draught,  chiU 


2 J: 8  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


rain,  or  cold  sponge  when  exhausted,  a  sudden  change  to 
dry  gi-ain  feeding,  to  new  oats  or  hay,  to  rank,  rapidly- 
gi'own  clover  or  grasses,  or  to  musty  food. 

Symjotoms.  When  not  supervening  on  indigestion  or  ob- 
struction of  the  bowels  its  onset  is  sudden.  The  patient 
stamps,  paws,  looks  at  his  flank,  moves  from  place  to  place, 
walks  crouchingly,  lies  down,  rolls,  acts  in  short  as  in  spas- 
modic coHc,  but  there  is  a  more  careful  lying  down,  there  is 
no  intermission  to  the  pain,  the  face  continues  pinched  and 
anxious  even  if  the  beast  stands  quiet  for  a  few  seconds, 
the  eye  remains  fixed  and  glazed,  the  pupils  dilated,  the 
breathing  hurried  and  catching,  the  pulse  rapid,  and  be- 
coming smaller  and  weaker,  the  temperature  unnaturally 
high,  the  surface  covered  with  sweat  and  often  cold,  and 
the  limbs  and  ears  deathly  cold.  The  abdomen  is  usually 
tender.  As  the  disease  advances  the  animal  may  become 
still  but  all  the  other  signs  are  worse.  Others  become 
reckless  and  dash  about  peeling  and  injuring  themselves 
and  imperiling  those  about  them.  The  bowels  are  confined 
and  in  the  advanced  stages  the  pellets  passed  may  be 
stained  with  blood.  Death  may  ensue  in  from  three  to 
twenty-four  hours  after  the  onset. 

Treatment  If  seen  at  the  outset  give  a  mild  laxative 
(olive-oil)  with  an  anodyne  (hyoscyamus).  Bleeding  from 
the  jugular  vein  may  give  prompt  relief  if  the  pulse  is  still 
full  and  strong.  But  neither  of  these  can  be  ventured  upon 
except  at  tlie  very  outset,  and  therefore  in  the  great  major- 
ity of  cases  are  to  be  avoided.  Apply  hot  fomentations  to 
the  belly  by  a  blanket  wrung  out  of  water  nearly  boiling, 
rub  the  limbs  with  ammonia,  mustard  or  turpentine,  and 
give  injections  of  warm  water  containing  anodynes  (bella- 
donna, hyoscyamus,  opium,  aconite,  tobacco,  etc.). 

If  the  soft,  weak,  rapid  pulse  bespeaks  already  existing 
effusion,  avoid  bleeding  and  laxatives,  give  one  or  two 
drachms  of  opium  by  mouth,  or  better  one  or  two  grains 
Bulphate  of  morphia  injected  under  the  skin,  repeating  as 
often  as  may  be  requisite  to  moderate  suffering  and  keep 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  249 


the  bowels  inactive,  accompanying  this  by  hot  fomentations 
and  connter-irritants. 

In  case  of  improvement  feed  linseed  or  oatmeal  grnels, 
boiled  linseed,  or  very  sloppy  bran  mashes  only,  and  in 
small  amonnt,  for  several  days.  If  the  bowels  continue 
confined  give  four  or  five  ozs.  olive-oil,  or  three  or  fom*  ozs. 
Glauber  salts  once  or  twice  a  day. 

'Bwi prevention  is  especially  to  be  sought  in  such  a  rapidly 
fatal  disease.  Regularity  and  sufficient  frequency  of  feeding, 
in  moderate  quantities  at  a  time  and  of  good  quality,  and  a 
gradual  instead  of  a  sudden  change  of  diet,  are  important. 
When  new  hay  or  grain,  or  heating  agents  like  maize  or 
wheat  are  fed,  one  feed  daily  should  be  replaced  by  a  sloppy 
bran  mash,  or  one  or  two  ounces  of  common  or  Glauber  salts 
added.  Avoid  full  draughts  of  cold  or  iced  water  when 
sweating  and  exhausted,  and  of  any  water  after  a  meal  of 
grain. 

ACUTE   MUCO-ENTERITIS. 

All  the  domestic  animals  are  subject  to  this  form  of  in- 
flammation, chiefly  of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  bowels. 
The  causes  are  mainly  the  same  as  those  of  hsemorrhagic 
enteritis  acting  on  a  less  susceptible  subject,  or  with  lessened 
force.  These  may  be  named  exposure,  sudden  extreme 
changes  of  weather,  coarse,  dry,  flbrous,  musty  or  otherwise 
irritant  indigestible  food,  abrupt  changes  of  diet,  impure, 
stagnant  or  putrid  water,  too  much  water  after  feeding,  or 
iced  water  when  fatigued  and  perspiring,  drastic  or  oft- 
repeated  purgatives,  suppressed  perspiration,  sand  in  the 
food,  parasites  and  the  various  mechanical  obstructions  (cal- 
culi, impactions,  invaginations,  hernia).  Cattle,  sheep  and 
swine  especially  suffer  during  the  vicissitudes  and  extremes 
of  spring,  summer  and  autumn,  and  the  latter  from  want 
of  water  to  drink  and  wallow  in.  Ewes  in  lamb  in  New 
York  perish  in  great  numbers  when  fed  grain.  Best  con- 
fine to  clover  hay.  Succulent  roots  or  fruits  may  be 
given  judiciously.  Among  dogs  the  young  suffer  most  and 
those  kept  on  animal  food,  or  that  bathe  in  rivers  when 


250  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

heated  with  the  chase.  Chickens  contract  it  from  faults 
in  feeding  and  watering,  but  especially  from  exclusive 
feeding  on  grain  and  deficiency  or  impurity  of  the  water. 

Symptoms.  In  the  mildest  forms  are  fever,  increased 
temperature,  thirst,  scanty,  high-colored  urine,  costive 
bowels,  the  small  masses  of  dung  covered  ^dth  a  film  ot 
mucus,  tender  belly,  small,  quick,  hard  pulse,  yellomsh- 
red  eyes,  hot  clammy  mouth,  furred  tongue  with  redness 
along  the  edges,  tip  and  lower  surface,  impaired  appetite, 
dull  sluggish  habit,  loss  of  flesh,  unthrifty  skin,  and  slight 
coHcs  after  meals. 

In  the  more  severe  forms  all  these  symptoms  are  in- 
creased in  severity,  appetite  gone,  dullness  and  depres- 
sion extreme,  head  carried  low,  gait  unsteady,  breathing 
excited,  a  ridge  on  the  tender  abdomen  as  in  pleurisy, 
and  more  fi'equent  colic,  with  pamng,  uneasy  shifting  of 
the  Kmbs,  kicking  at  the  abdomen,  looking  at  the  flanks 
and  lying  down  and  rising.  Diarrhoea  may  set  in  and 
herald  recovery,  or  it  may  become  profuse,  bloody  and 
fatal. 

In  addition  to  these  general  s^Tuptoms  cattle  and  sheep 
have  impairment  or  loss  of  rumination,  frequent  belch- 
ing of  gas,  foetid  breath  and  tenderness  mainly  of  the 
right  side  of  the  abdomen.  When  due  to  acrid  and  irri- 
tant plants,  the  back  is  arched,  abdomen  tense  and  tucked 
up,  constipation  obstinate,  tongue  often  purple,  and  the 
urine  high-colored  or  even  bloody.  It  may  prove  fatal 
after  a  fortnight's  sickness.  In  swine  the  afi'ection  is  usu- 
ally mistaken  for  Intestinal  Fever  which  indeed  it  strongly 
resembles,  but  without  the  ineffaceable  black  spots  on  the 
skin  and  mucous  membranes,  and  without  a  contagious 
principle.  In  dogs  much  dullness,  drowsiness,  restless- 
ness, with  tucked  up,  tense,  very  tender  abdomen,  violent 
constipation  and  very  painful  and  difficult  passage  of 
dung  are  added  to  the  general  symptoms.  Vomiting  is 
common  in  dogs  and  pigs.  Chickens  lose  appetite  and 
vivacity,  droop  the  head,  raise  the  feathers,  move  slug- 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  251 


gislily,  scour,  strain  violently,  and  show  much  tenderness 
of  the  abdomen  when  handled. 

Treatment.  At  the  outset  give  a  laxative  (horse,  aloes 
ox  or  sheep,  Glauber  salts  ;  or  for  all  animals  olive-oil ;) 
with  anodynes  (belladonna,  hyoscyamus,  Indian  hemp,) 
in  a  mucilage  of  slippery  elm  or  gum  Arabic,  and  repeat 
these  mucilages  and  anodynes  as  may  be  needful  to  quiet 
the  suffering.  Mild  cases  may  be  successfully  treated  by 
small  daily  doses  of  sulphate  of  soda  with  abundance  of 
mucilage,  and  tonic  doses  of  gentian  and  nux  vomica. 
Give  injections  of  hot  water,  with  anod^mes,  and  apply  fo- 
mentations, or  in  small  animals  poultices,  followed  by 
mustard  or  other  counter-irritants  to  the  belly  as  in  hsem- 
orrhagic  enteritis.  When  profuse  diarrhoea  sets  in  give 
fi-eely  of  mucilaginous  and  starchy  drinks,  with  quinia, 
gentian,  nux  vomica  or  other  bitter  and  opium.  The  diet 
must  be  restricted  to  well-boiled  mucilaginous  gruels,  and 
in  the  case  of  herbivora,  sloppy  warm  bran  mashes. 

The  treatment  of  diseased  chickens  is  not  always  satis- 
factory, but  the  whole  flock  should  have  mush,  vegetables 
and  boiled  potatoes,  with  clear  pure  drinking  water  to 
which  may  be  added  cream  of  tartar  or  Glauber  salts,  1 
oz.  to  every  quart. 

CROUPOUS  ENTERITIS. 

Tliis  occurs  in  cattle,  horses,  sheep  and  dogs,  and  may 
be  considered  as  a  modification  of  the  other  forms  of  en- 
teritis and  produced  by  similar  causes.  The  symptoms 
may  approach  those  of  either  of  the  two  forms  of  the  dis- 
eas(i  already  described,  the  suffering  being  extreme  and 
lasting,  or  violent  but  short,  and  followed  by  dullness,  de- 
pression, fever,  and  tenderness  of  the  belly.  If  the  ani- 
mal survives  long  enough  the  false  membranes  are  passed 
in  great,  white,  friable  masses  or  shreds.  In  its  earUest 
stages  a  laxative  will  often  alter  the  condition  of  the  mem- 
brane and  contribute  to  a  prompt  recovery.  Later  treat 
as  in  enteritis.     Saline  laxatives  (sulphate  of  soda  or  mag- 


252  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

nesia)  and  bitters  (nux  vomica,  gentian,  quassia,  quinia,) 
are  especially  indicated  when  the  membranes  are  separat- 
ing. If  resulting  from  mercurial  poisoning,  give  chlorate 
of  potassa  and  iodide  of  potassium. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KECTUM.     * 

The  last  or  straight  gut  often  suffers  exclusively  in  horses 
and  dogs  in  connection  with  the  impaction  of  hardened 
dung,  or  calculi,  and  in  oxen  with  a  certain  conformation 
from  the  introduction  of  air.  Dung  is  passed  in  long  cyl- 
indroid  masses  with  great  straining  and  pain,  or  cannot 
be  passed  at  all.  In  the  dog  it  is  covered  with  mucus, 
pus  or  even  blood.  The  everted  gut  is  of  a  deep  red  color, 
thickened,  infiltrated  and  hot.  Rupture  may  ensue  if  it  is 
not  relieved.  Treat  by  emptying  the  gut  with  the  oiled  hand 
or  finger,  give  a  spare  laxative  diet  (bran  mashes,  roots, 
gi'uels,)  frequent  injections  of  warm  water  containing  some 
mucilage  and  olive-oil,  and  an  occasional  purgative  (olive 
or  linseed-oil). 

In  high-rumped  oxen,  cut  the  muscles  on  the  upper 
surface  of  the  tail  and  tie  it  down  until  healed. 

DIARRHOEA.      SCOURING. 

This  is  a  frequent  discharge  of  semi-liquid  or  Kquid 
dung  from  the  bowels  without  griping  or  violent  straining. 
It  is  a  symptom  of  disease  rather  than  an  independent 
malady,  as  it  may  arise  from  almost  any  irritant  in  the 
bowels.  Among  its  common  causes  may  be  named  a  full 
drink  followed  by  active  exertion ;  feeding  soft,  aqueous, 
rapidly-grown  green  food ;  cooked  food  for  hard-working 
horses ;  many  irritant  and  acrid  plants  ;  spoiled  potatoes, 
turnips,  apples,  etc. ;  stagnant,  putrid  water ;  undigested 
matters  in  the  bowels  from  imperfect  mastication  or  di- 
gestion ;  impaction  of  some  part  c  f  the  bowels ;  worms, 
etc.  It  may  occur  from  irritants  secreted  from  the  blood, 
as  in  the  case  of  purgative  agents  accidentally  taken  in 
with  faod  or  water,  and  the  morbid  elements  of  certain 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  253 


fevers  (Panderpest,  Texan-fever,  liog-cliolera,  lung-fever.) 
Lastly,  a  reflex  irritation  from  tlie  skin  as  in  exposure  to 
chilling  rains,  niglit-dews,  or  damp  stalls,  or  to  hot  damp 
buildings,  seasons  or  localities.  Horses  are  especially 
liable  to  superpurgation  if  worked  or  supphed  with  ice-cold 
water  during  the  operation  of  a  dose  of  physic. 

Sijmptoms.  These  may  be  slight  as  in  the  frequent 
pulpy  evacuations  of  animals  fed  exclusively  on  roots,  or 
severe,  as  in  the  excessive  and  almost  constant  discharge 
of  a  dark-colored  liquid  mixed  with  mucus.  Slight  diar- 
rhoea does  not  affect  the  appetite,  nor  interfere  with 
improvement  in  condition,  but  in  the  severer  forms  there 
is  loud  rumbling  in  the  abdomen,  loss  of  appetite  and 
condition,  rapid,  small,  weak  pulse,  hurried  breathing, 
pallid  mucous  membranes  and  weakness  even  to  unsteady 
gait.  Distension  of  the  belly,  with  pawing  and  other  signs 
of  abdominal  pain  may  appear  in  bad  cases.  In  horses  it 
is  often  followed  by  inflammation  of  the  feet. 

Treatment.  Unload  the  bowels  by  linseed,  olive,  or 
castor-oil  according  to  the  patient,  adding  laudanum,  and 
follow  up  by  mucilaginous  (linseed,  gum  Arabic,  slip- 
pery elm,)  or  starchy  draughts  or  even  injections  with  or 
without  laudanum  as  may  seem  required.  In  prolonged 
and  obstinate  cases  astringents  (kino,  catechu,  oak  bark, 
tannic  acid,  nitrate  of  silver,)  with  tonics  (gentian,  cin- 
chona, salicine,  nux  vomica,)  and  carminatives  (campho- 
rated spirit,  ginger,  peppers,  caraway,  fennel,  etc.,)  may 
have  to  be  employed.  But  in  no  case  should  astringents 
or  opiates  be  used  until  the  irritant  has  been  carried  off 
by  a  laxative,  and  usually  a  change  of  diet  is  needful  to 
prevent  a  second  attack.  In  acute  or  obstinate  cases 
dry  rubbing  or  a  blister  to  the  belly  may  be  useful,  and 
perfect  rest  must  be  enjoined. 

DYSENTERY.      BLOODY-FLUX. 

This  is  a  morbid  process  approaching  inflammation  of 
the  mucous  membranes  of  the  large  intestines,  and  leading 


254  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

to  the  formation  of  ulcers.  It  occurs  in  cattle,  horses, 
swine  and  dogs,  may  be  enzootic  on  certain  rich  impervi- 
ous soils,  or  even  epizootic. 

Causes.  Those  of  diarrhoea  acting  with  greater  energy  ; 
the  emanations  from  marshy  inundated  soils,  or  from 
carcasses ;  putrid,  stagnant  or  iced  water ;  musty,  putrid 
or  otherwise  altered  food ;  overexertion  in  excessive  heats ; 
or  even  a  contagium. 

Symptoms.  The  acute  form  comes  on  suddenly  with 
symptoms  of  acute  intestinal  catarrh.  The  dung  is  passed  fre- 
quently with  straining  and  is  semi-liquid  and  foetid.  Later 
it  is  quite  liquid  with  mucus,  blood  and  shreds  of  false  mem- 
branes or  sloughs,  intolerably  offensive,  and  passed  with 
still  more  pain  and  straining.  Later  still,  the  same  painful 
straining  fails  to  bring  away  anything,  though  the  red, 
infiltrated  and  excoriated  rectum  may  protrude.  At  length 
the  discharge  again  reappears  more  repulsive  than  ever 
and  passes  involuntarily.  Appetite  is  gradually  lost,  but 
thirst  increases.  Fever  exists  at  first  with  staring  coat 
and  even  shivering,  hot  fevered  mouth  and  accelerated 
pulse,  but  this  is  less  marked  as  the  disease  becomes 
chronic.  Then  there  is  extreme  emaciation,  cold  limbs, 
dry,  cracked  muzzle,  hide-bound,  scurfy,  unhealthy,  lousy 
skin,  often  covered  with  flies,  deeply-sunken  pallid  ejef», 
and  involuntary  liquid  putrid  discharges.  Death  may 
occur  in  three  or  four  clays  or  the  disease  may  be  pro- 
tracted for  months. 

Treatment.  Kub  the  belly  actively  and  apply  mustard, 
or  in  small  animals  give  a  warm  bath.  Give  a  mild  laxa- 
tive (olive-oil,  Glauber  salts,)  with  calmative  (Dover's 
p  )wder,  laudanum).  After  the  laxative  has  operated  give 
daily  Dover's  powder  with  ipecacuanha,  or  sal  ammoniac, 
or  should  these  fail  to  improve  the  discharge,  astringents 
|kino,  catechu,  gall-nuts,  oak  bark,  black  currant  bark, 
walnut  leaves,  tormentilla,  rhatany,  etc.,)  with  tonics  (quinia, 
nux  vomica,  salicine,  cascarilla,  carbonate  or  sulphate  of 
iron,  sulphate  of  copper,  nitrate  of  silver).      Small  doses 


Diseases  of  the  Digestke  Organs.  255 

of  oil  of  tui'pentine,  copaiva,  creosote  or  carbolic  acid 
often  act  beneficially  on  tlie  diseased  mucous  membrane. 
The  same  agents  may  be  given  as  injections  in  mucilagi- 
nous fluids.  Diet  must  be  bland,  easily  digested,  and  fed 
little  at  a  time.  Mashes  of  wheat  bran,  or  flour  from  the 
whole  grain  of  wheat,  barley  or  oats,  and  fresh  pulped  or 
cooked  roots  may  be  given  to  the  herbivora ;  and  farinas 
made  into  puddings,  with  just  enough  juice  of  meat  to  in- 
sure theii*  being  eaten,  to  the  carnivora.  Fresh  raw  meat 
without  fat,  beaten  to  a  pulp  in  a  mortar  wiU  often  agree 
when  nothing  else  will.  The  drink  should  be  mixed  with 
a  little  boiled  linseed,  gum,  slippery  elm  or  barley  water. 

OBSTKUCTION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

Under  this  head  may  be  considered  aU  cases  of  com- 
plete obstruction  of  the  bowels  excepting  those  of  the  na- 
ture of  hernia  or  rupture.  It  wiU  include  blocking  of  the 
gut  by  hardened  dung,  calculi,  and  foreign  bodies  swal- 
lowed ;  invagination  or  the  slipping  of  a  portion  of  gut 
into  what  is  adjacent,  like  the  drawing  of  a  finger  of  a 
glove  into  itseK ;  volvulus,  or  the  rolling  on  itseK  of  a  por- 
tion of  intestine  with  its  connecting  membrane  until  noth- 
ing can  pass  through  it ;  strangulation  of  an  intestine  by 
another  roUed  round  it,  by  a  tumor  hanging  by  a  long 
pedicle,  or  by  a  band  of  false  membrane  formed  in  some 
pre-existing  inflammation  and  gradually  contracting ;  tu- 
mors formed  within  a  gut ;  and  in  steers  the  strangulation 
of  a  loop  of  intestine  in  a  pouch  in  the  right  flank  formed 
by  contraction  on  the  spermatic  cord  in  castration. 

The  symptoms  of  complete  obstruction  are  those  of  se- 
vere sjxisjiiodic  colic,  but  without  the  intervals  of  complete 
freedom  fi*om  pain.  It  differs  also  from  enteritis  in  that 
there  is  no  rise  of  temperature  at  first.  The  dung  may 
be  abundant  at  the  outset  but  as  the  disease  advances  is 
more  or  less  completely  suppressed,  the  portion  of  intes- 
tine behind  the  obstruction  having  been  emptied.  The 
horse  often  seems  to  obtain  a  partial  temporary  relief  bj 


256  The  Farmer^  Veterinary  Adviser. 

sitting  on  his  Launches  or  lying  on  his  back,  and  will  retch, 
though  vomiting  is  rare,  unless  the  stomach  is  ruptured.  If 
the  obstruction  is  in  the  pelvic  flexure  of  the  large  bowels 
it  may  be  felt  by  the  hand  introduced  through  the  rectum. 

In  ruminants  the  preliminary  colics  may  be  followed  by 
quietude,  but  there  remain  extreme  lassitude,  depression, 
sunken  eye  and  dry  hot  muzzle,  and  even  stupor  or  coma. 
In  cattle  the  hand  introduced  into  the  rectum  will  detect  the 
mass  of  the  overdistended  bowel  above  the  obstruction.  It 
may  also  ascertain  the  existence  of  a  pouch  imprisoning  the 
gut  in  the  right  flank  and  may  even  pull  it  out  and  relieve. 

In  dogs  violent  colic  may  be  absent,  but  there  is  much  de- 
pression, inappetence,  vomiting  of  bile  or  faeces,  arching  of 
the  back,  tucking  up  of  the  belly,  the  passage  with  much 
pain  and  straining  of  mucus-covered  faeces,  and  later,  strain- 
ing without  any  passage,  while  the  overloaded  gut  may 
easily  be  felt  through  the  walls  of  the  belly. 

Treatment.  In  most  cases  of  absolute  obstruction  nothing 
can  be  done  except  to  relieve  the  pain  by  anodynes  (opium, 
belladonna,  stramonium,  Indian  hemp,  etc.,)  and  give  nutrient 
injections.  The  obstruction  may  often  be  kneaded  through 
the  rectum.  Liquid  above  the  obstruction  may  be  drawn  off 
through  a  fine  tube.  Invagination^  volvulus  or  gict-tie^  when 
their  presence  is  ascertained  in  ruminants,  pigs  or  dogs, 
would  warrant  an  incision  through  the  walls  of  the  abdomen 
and  an  attempt  to  i-cctify  witli  the  liand.  In  cattle  the 
opening  must  always  be  made  in  the  right  flank,  the  left 
being  occupied  by  the  paunch.  The  wound  must  be  after- 
ward carefully  sewed  up  and  the  animal  prevented  from 
rubbing  it.  Gut-tie  may  often  be  remedied  by  manipula- 
tion with  the  hand  in  the  rectum,  or  even  by  the  simpler 
expedient  of  jumping  from  a  bank  about  two  feet  high, 
though  if  due  to  adhesion  of  the  cord  to  an  intestine  the 
abdomen  must  be  opened  and  the  band  cut. 

HEKNIA.   KUPTUKE.   BURST. 

Hernia  is  understood  to  mean  the  displacement  of  some 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  257 


internal  organ  through  a  natural  oi  unnatural  opening. 
Of  abdominal  organs  the  bowels  and  omentum  are  those 
that  most  commonly  protrude,  though  the  womb  often  es- 
capes in  bitches.  According  to  the  structure  through 
which  the  organ  passes  the  hernia  is  named : — into  the 
chest,  diaphragmatic  or  phrenic  ;  through  the  omentum  or 
mesentery,  omental,  mesenteric;  through  the  navel,  umbilical; 
into  the  scrotum,  inguinal  or  scrotal;  through  the  femoral 
arch  to  the  inner  side  of  the  thigh,  femoral;  through  an 
artificial  opening  in  the  walls  of  the  abdomen,  ventral, 
through  the  relaxed  walls  of  the  vagina,  vaginal. 

Diaphragmatic  Hernia  may  occur  from  violent  muscular 
efi'orts,  from  the  violent  shock  of  a  heavy  abdominal  organ 
on  the  midiiff  in  leaping  or  from  laceration  with  a  broken 
rib  or  other  offending  body.  The  worst  cases  are  sud- 
denly fatal  from  suffocation.  In  others  there  is  a  sudden 
access  of  difficult  breathing  with  gurgling  sounds  on  aus- 
cultating the  chest.  In  still  others,  with  a  smaller  rupture, 
the  rumbling  in  the  chest  may  be  absent  but  there  is  vio- 
lent, continuous  coKc  and  rapid  prostration  as  in  obstruc- 
tion. In  the  slightest  forms  there  is  only  an  extra  lifting 
of  the  flanks  as  in  heaves.  Treatment  is  useless,  though 
rest  and  anodynes  will  allow  a  slight  case  to  merge  into 
the  chronic  form. 

Mesenteric  and  Omental  Hernia  give  rise  to  complete  ob- 
stniction  of  the  bowels  and  can  rarely  be  recognized  nor 
remedied. 

Umbilical  Hernia  is  common  in  horses,  dogs  and  very 
young  ruminants.  It -is  usually  congenital  but  may  result 
from  violent  straining,  running  or  jumping.  The  swelling 
is  very  manifest  and  when  handled  its  contents  are  found 
to  move  on  each  other,  to  gurgle  and  to  pass  back  in  a 
mass  when  pressed. 

Treatment  is  often  needless,  the  sac  becon.ing  effaced 
with  grow^th.  If  not,  make  a  soft  pad  for  the  navel  and 
attach  it  to  elastic  bands  passing  round  the  body  and  fixed 
in  their  turn  to  otbers  extending  back  from  a  collar  round 

17 


258  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

the  neck.  Or  in  slight  cases  blister  the  sac  severely  and 
repeatedly ;  or  apply  wooden  clamps  over  the  skin  close  up 
to  the  belly,  having  first  perfectly  returned  the  protrusion, 
and  let  them  be  worn  until  they  drop  off. 

Inguinal  Hernia  occurs  in  the  male  quadruped  of  any  age, 
as  the  sac  containing  the  testicle  remains  continuous  with  the 
abdomen  throughout  life.  It  is  rare  but  by  no  means  un- 
known in  the  castrated  animal.  It  may  exist  without  any 
other  symptom  than  an  unnatural  swelling  of  the  scrotum,  the 
contents  movable  on  themselves,  the  thickening  extending  up 
to  the  abdomen,  and  the  whole  disappearing  suddenly  and  in 
a  mass  when  pressed.  Or  these  signs  may  be  associated  with 
the  violent  and  continuous  colicky  pains  of  obstruction.  In 
all  cases  of  colic  in  entire  males  the  possibility  of  hernia 
should  be  borne  in  mind  and  an  examination  made. 

Treatment  is  very  varied,  in  difficult  cases  requiring  ana- 
tomical knowlege  and  attention  to  many  minutiae  which  can- 
not be  given  here.  Yet  in  many  cases  the  hernia  may  be  re- 
turned by  simple  pressure  with  the  hand,  with  or  without  the 
other  hand  inserted  into  the  last  gut  and  carried  down  to  the 
internal  inguinal  ring.  If  the  patient  is  thrown  on  his  back 
with  his  hind  parts  well  raised  the  return  will  be  greatly 
facilitated.  In  pigs  and  dogs  castration  should  be  resorted  to, 
the  gut  being  first  returned  and  held  back  by  pressing  upon  the 
canal  in  front  of  the  testicle,  and  finally  the  wound  in  the  skin 
sewed  up.  Or  the  testicle  covered  by  its  sac  may  be  stripped 
to  pass  the  bowel  back  into  the  abdomen  and  then  tied  tightly 
with  a  carbolated  cord.  For  particulars  of  treatment  of  the 
various  forms  of  inguinal  hernia  see  the  author's  larger  work. 

Femoral  Hernia  in  bitches  rarely  demands  or  receives 
treatment. 

Ventral  Hernia  is  easily  distinguished  from  other  swell- 
ings of  the  abdominal  walls  by  the  movable  gurgling  con- 
tents entirely  returnable  into  the  abdomen  by  pressure. 
Though  often  masked  by  surrounding  inflammation  these 
characters  can  usually  be  recognized.  Treatment  is  most 
successful  just  after  the  injury  is  sustained,  as  after  the 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs,  259 


margins  of  the  wound  have  become  insensible  they  wil] 
not  contract  and  heal.  Keturn  the  protrusion,  throwing 
the  animal  on  its  back  and  quieting  with  opium,  ether  or 
chloral  if  necessary.  Then  cover  the  opening  with  pads 
and  cover  with  a  strong  sheet  wound  round  the  abdomen 
and  laced  tightly  along  the  back.  Keep  the  sheet  in  posi- 
tion by  bands  earned  from  its  anterior  border  to  a  collar 
round  the  neck.  Adjust  and  pad  it  carefully  day  by  day 
until  all  swelling  and  tenderness  subside. 

^  Vcujinal  Hernia  must  be  treated  like  eversim  of  the  va- 
gina, 

EVERSION  OF  THE  RECTUM. 

The  rectum  protrudes  naturally  in  passing  dung  but  re- 
turns immediately.  If  it  remains  and  swells  it  demands 
interference.  Poorly-kept  animals  (dogs,  pigs,)  are  liable 
and  it  may  be  caused  in  all  from  violent  straining  in  work, 
parturition,  constipation,  diarrhoea  or  dysentery.  The 
protrusion  may  be  confined  to  a  mucous  fold  at  one  side 
of  the  anus  or  the  entire  gut  may  protrude  to  the  length 
of  several  feet.  If  recent  it  is  httle  altered,  but  if  old,  is 
red,  thick,  softened  or  even  ulcerated.  The  protrusion 
must  be  emptied,  cleaned  and  returned,  the  oiled  finger  or 
arm  (accordmg  to  size)  being  introduced  into  the  gut  and 
through  the  constriction  of  the  anus  and  the  other  hand 
used  to  strip  it  off  from  this.  The  head  of  the  patient 
should  be  turned  downhill  and  straining  prevented  by 
pinching  the  back.  In  small  animals  with  old  protrasions 
the  part  may  have  to  be  cut  off  close  to  the  anus  and  a 
few  stitches  passed  through  the  edges  to  keep  them  in  ap- 
position. When  returned  a  truss  should  be  appHed  as  for 
everted  uterus  or  vagina  and  a  spare,  laxative  diet  allowed, 
nourishing  or  not  according  to  the  needs  of  the  patient. 

PILES. 

These  are  dilatation  of  the  veins  on  the  inner  and  outer 
sides  of  the  anus,  with  exudation  and  fibrous  thickening 


260  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  the  surrounding  connectiye  tissue  to  form  rounded 
swellings.  Tliej  are  reported  in  all  domestic  animals  bui 
are  especially  common  in  dogs.  Melanotic  tumors  in 
horses  are  often  confounded  with  them.  They  are  gener- 
ally connected  with  torpid,  inactive  Hver  and  an  aggra- 
vated costiveness,  straining  and  the  presence  of  irritants 
in  the  large  intestines.  Dogs  draw  the  anus  along  the 
ground  as  in  intestinal  worms,  pass  hardened,  blood- 
streaked  dung,  with  much  straining,  pain  and  sharp  cries, 
and  present  around  the  anus  bluish  tumors  which  bleed 
freely  if  wounded  and  are  connected  with  the  terminal  end 
of  the  gut  that  hangs  out  through  the  opening.  The  gen- 
eral health  rarely  suffers  much.  In  other  animals  there 
is  itching,  switching  and  rubbing  of  the  tail  with  the  char- 
acteristic tumors  and  much  straining  and  difficulty  in  pass- 
ing dung.  Treat  by  mild  laxatives  (sulphate  of  soda  and 
common  salt,  3  ozs.  daily  for  the  large  and  20  to  30  gi'ains 
for  the  small  quadrupeds  ;  or  podophyllin  in  one-fifth  the 
usual  doses,  daily).  Give  moderately  of  laxative,  easily- 
digested  food  and  maintain  tone  by  bitters  (nux  vomica). 
Locally  bathe  with  tepid  solutions  of  opium,  stramonium 
and  astringents  (sugar  of  lead,  alum,  tannin,  sulphurous  acid, 
benzoated  oxide  of  zinc  ointment).  Clieck  bleeding  by  solu- 
tions of  sulphate  of  iron  or  matico.  It  is  sometimes  neces- 
sary to  remove  with  the  ligature,  or  clamp  and  hot  iron. 

FISTULA  IN  ANUS. 

This  is  a  communication  between  a  suppurating  sore  and 
the  terminal  pai-t  of  the  rectum.  There  are  usually  two 
openings,  one  into  the  gut  and  the  other  close  beside  the 
anus.  The  rational  treatment  is  to  remove  any  foreign 
body  or  other  cause  of  irritation  and  then  passing  an  India 
rubber  cord  through  the  canal,  to  bring  the  end  from  the 
internal  wound  out  through  the  anus  and,  stretching  the 
nibber,  to  tie  both  together  after  which  by  its  elasticity  it 
slowly  cuts  its  way  through,  while  the  wound  steadily 
heals  behind. 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  261 

IMPERFOEATE  ANUS. 

This  is  not  uncommon  in  young  animals  and  may  be 
relieved  by  a  free  incision  as  soon  as  the  accmmulation  of 
dung  in  the  end  of  the  rectum  furnishes  a  firm  pad  on 
which  to  cut.  The  incision  must  be  made  in  the  centre 
of  the  firm  muscular  ring  that  should  have  encircled  the 
opening,  and  which  may  be  easily  felt.  In  mares  sponta- 
neous relief  is  often  obtained  by  a  rupture  into  the  vagina. 
If  the  gut  as  well  as  the  opening  is  wanting,  there  is  no 
remedy. 

PERITONITIS.       INFLAMMATION   OF  THE  LINING  MEMBRANE   OF 
THE  ABDOMEN. 

This  occurs  in  all  domestic  animals  and  may  be  limited 
to  a  particular  part  or  may  be  general.  It  is  mostly 
caused  by  mechanical  injuries,  as  wounds  of  the  abdom- 
inal walls — surgical  or  otherwise,  or  by  rupture  of  an  ab- 
scess, of  the  stomach,  intestine,  bladder  or  womb.  It 
may  also  result  from  sudden  changes  of  weather,  chills 
from  exposure  to  excessive  cold,  to  frigid  showers  or  dews 
or  to  a  wet  bed  after  perspiration  and  fatigue.  This  is  of 
course  most  frequent  in  horses  and  oxen.  Similar  expos- 
ure to  cold  is  a  common  cause  of  peritonitis  after  wounds 
of  the  abdomen,  as  in  castration. 

Symptoms.  If  very  circumscribed  there  may  be  simply 
shglit  colic,  worse  at  one  time  than  another,  with  acute 
pain  when  the  affected  part  is  pressed.  Wlien  more  gen- 
eral there  is  shivering  followed  by  a  hot  stage,  cohc,  stiff- 
ness of  the  hind  Hmbs,  especially  in  the  smaller  animals, 
swelling,  tension  and  great  tenderness  of  the  abdomen, 
constipation,  or  in  rare  cases,  watery  or  even  bloody  diar- 
rha3a,  complete  loss  of  appetite,  vomiting  in  animals  capa- 
ble of  this  act,  quick,  catching  breathing  and  rapid  hard 
pulse,  becoming  softer,  weaker  and  smaller  whea  serous 
effusion  takes  place.  Effusion  is  further  attended  by  a 
relief  from  the  colics  and  tenderness,  a  more  sunken  eye, 
pallid  mucous  membranes,  deeper  breathing,  and  a  more 


2 ('.2  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

pendent  belly  with  a  sense  of  fluctuation  when  it  is  hand- 
led. In  ruminants  the  right  side  is  especially  tender  and 
the  animal  stands  crouching  with  its  four  feet  near  to- 
gether. The  wound  of  the  abdomen  usually  completes 
the  Hst  of  symptoms. 

Treatment.  The  abdomen  may  sometimes  be  cupped 
or  leeched  with  advantage,  though  warm  fomentations  or 
poultices,  (or  even  warm  baths  for  small  animals)  followed 
by  mustard  poultices,  are  more  generally  applicable. 
Then  the  preparations  of  opium  may  be  given  in  full  and 
frequent  doses  to  allay  pain  and  keep  the  bowels  inactive. 
"Well-boiled  gruels  may  be  given  frequently  as  injections, 
as  what  is  thrown  on  the  stomach  is  usually  vomited  or 
lies  unabsorbed.  During  recovery  great  care  must  be 
exercised  in  feeding.  Decoctions  of  Unseed,  or  well-boiled 
gruels  of  oat,  barley  or  rye-meal  should  gradually  give 
place  to  soft  warm  bran  mashes  and  finally  to  hay  and 
ordinary  food.  The  carnivora  may  have  beef  tea.  Ano- 
dynes (opium,  prussic  acid,)  may  be  given  to  relieve  pain 
and  diuretics  (nitre,  digitalis,  sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  etc.,) 
employed  to  remove  the  effusion.  Tonics  (oxide  of  iron, 
gentian,  cinchona,  etc.,)  may  be  demanded  and  occa- 
sionally mustard  poultices  to  remove  tenderness. 

ASCITES.      DROPSY  OF  THE  ABDOMEN. 

Tliis  may  be  a  result  of  peritonitis,  of  obstruction  to 
the  flow  of  blood  through  the  intestinal  (portal)  veins  as 
in  diseased  liver,  spleen,  pancreas,  mesenteric  glands, 
valves  of  the  heart,  etc.,  or  finally  it  may  depend  on  an 
iinduly  watery  state  of  the  blood  as  in  certain  parasitic 
and  other  disorders. 

Symptoms.  Distended  (pot)  belly,  loose  and  pendulous, 
with  hollow  flanks,  or  if  the  Hquid  is  more  abundant, 
rounded  and  tense.  Fluctuation  is  easily  felt  if  pressure 
is  made  at  two  different  points,  and  percussion  ehcits  a 
dull  dead  sound  in  place  of  the  normal  drum-like  reso- 
nance of  the  bowels.     The  urine  is  scanty,  appetite  and 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  263 

digestion  impaired,  breathing  deep  and  excited,  condition 
poor  and  getting  worse,  hair  dry,  rough,  erect  and  often 
shedding,  and  swellings  appear  along  the  lower  part  of 
the  body  into  the  limbs  and  chest. 

Treatment.  Find  out  and  remove  if  possible  the  true 
primary  cause.  When  that  has  ceased  to  act  employ 
purgatives,  but  especially  diuretics  (digitalis,  oil  of  tur- 
pentine, iodide  of  potassium,  squills,  colchicum,  nitre,  etc.,) 
in  as  full  doses  as  the  strength  will  permit,  with  tonics 
(sulphate  of  iron,  gentian,  nux  vomica,)  and  apply  tinct- 
ure of  iodine  over  the  abdomen.  The  liquid  may  be  drawn 
off  with  a  fine  cannula  and  trocar,  one-half  only  being 
extracted  at  a  time,  and  the  flaccid  walls  at  once  sup 
ported  by  a  tight  bandage  encircling  the  body. 

GASTRIC  AND  INTESTINAL  PARASITES. 

Larva  of  Insects. — Bots.    These  are  the  larva  of  four 
different  species  of  gadfly  that  pester  horses  in  summer 

Fig.  20.  Fig.  22. 


Fig.  20— Bot-fly.     CEstrus  Equi. 

Fig.  21. 


Pig  22 — Bots  hooked  on  the  mucou3 
Fig.  21 — Bot.     Larva  of  CEstrus.  membrane  of  the  stomach, 

and  autumn,  gluing  their  little  white  ovoid  eggs  on  the 
long  hairs  beneath  the  jaws,  on  the  breast,  shoulders  and 
fore  limbs  on  which  the  empty  shells  may  be  carried 
through  the  winter.  When  the  horse  licks  himself  the  live 
smbryo  is  extracted  from  the  egg  and  swallowed  or  in  the 


264  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

case  of  those  beneath  the  jaws  they  fall  into  the  food  and 
are  devoured  with  it.  By  the  aid  of  the  hooks  around 
their  heads  they  attach  themselves  to  the  mucous  mem- 
brane mainly  of  the  left  half  of  the  stomach  but  often  also 
of  other  parts  such  as  the  right  side  of  the  stomach,  the 
duodenum  or  small  gut  leading  from  the  stomach,  and  the 
throat.  There  they  steadily  grow  in  the  winter  and  in 
spring  pass  out  with  the  dung,  burrow  in  the  soil  and  are 
ti'ansformed  into  the  gadfly.  The  disturbance  they  cause 
depends  on  their  numbers  and  the  portions  of  the  canal 
on  which  they  attach  themselves.  In  the  throat  they 
produce  a  chronic  sore-throat  and  discharge  from  the  nose 
which  continues  until  the  following  spring,  unless  they  are 
previously  extracted  with  the  hand.  In  the  left  half  of 
the  stomach  which  is  covered  with  a  thick  insensible  cuti- 
cle they  do  httle  harm  when  in  smaU  numbers,  hence 
Bracy  Clark  supposed  them  to  be  rather  beneficial  in 
stimulating  the  secretion  of  gastric  juice.  When  very 
numerous  and  above  all  when  attached  to  the  highly 
sensitive  right  half  of  the  stomach  or  the  duodenum  they 
seriously  interfere  with  digestion,  causing  the  animals  to 
thrive  badly,  to  be  weak  and  easily  sweated  or  fatigued, 
and  even  determining  sudden  and  fatal  indigestions.  This 
last  result  is  especially  liable  to  occur  in  spring  or  early 
summer,  when  the  bots  are  passing  out  in  great  numbers 
and  hooking  themselves  at  intervals  to  the  coats  of  the 
sensitive  bowels  in  their  course.  They  will  sometimes 
accumulate  in  such  numbers  as  actually  to  block  the  pas- 
.sage.  They  even  attach  themselves  to  the  skin  outside 
ihe  anus  causing  the  animal  to  go  awkwardly,  to  switch  his 
tail  and  give  other  signs  of  extreme  discomfort  until  the 
tail  is  raised  and  the  offender  discovered  and  removed. 
Alleged  perforations  of  the  stomach  by  bots  are  usually 
ruptures,  the  result  of  indigestion. 

The  irritation  caused  by  their  presence  is  not  easily 
distinguished  from  other  forms  of  indigestion  and  colic. 
It  may  be  tympanitic  or  not,  accompanied  or  not  with 


Diseases  of  tilt  Blgestive  Organs.  20 5 

diarrhoea,  and  of  the  most  variable  intensity.  If  occurring 
after  a  period  of  abstinence  when  the  worms  are  presum- 
ably hungiy,  or  if  in  spring  or  early  summer,  if  the  bots 
are  found  passing  with  the  dung,  if  the  horse  turns  up  his 
lip  as  if  nauseated,  and  if  the  margins  of  the  tongue  are  red 
and  fiery  there  will  be  so  much  more  corroborative  evi- 
dence. 

Treatment.  In  cases  of  irritation  following  abstinence 
give  potato  juice,  gi'uels,  etc.,  to  feed  and  quiet  the  bots, 
adding  some  anodyne  (opium,  hyocyamus,)  or  mucilagin- 
ous agents  (gum  Arabic,  boiled  linseed,  mallow,  sHppery 
elm,)  if  it  appears  necessary. 

"We  cannot  certainly  kill  the  bots  in  the  stomach,  as  they 
will  resist  the  strongest  acids  and  alkalies,  the  most  irrespir- 
able  and  poisonous  gases,  the  most  potent  narcotics  and 
mineral  poisons,  enipyreumatic  oils,  etc.  Oil  of  turpentine, 
carbolic  acid,  bryony,  ether  and  benzine  have  been  relied  on 
by  different  practitioners  but  none  of  them  are  quite  sat- 
isfactory. It  seems  probable  that  these  like  other  vermi- 
fuges will  act  best  in  autumn  or  early  winter  before  the 
larva  has  acquired  his  hard,  homy  coat  of  mail,  and  at 
this  time  accordingly  they  may  be  given  with  more  con- 
fidence. The  azedarach  (pride  of  China)  grown  around 
stables  in  the  South  to  protect  from  bots,  probably  acts  in 
this  way,  if  at  aU,  being  cropped  and  swallowed  by  the  an- 
imals while  the  bots  are  still  white,  soft  and  permeable  to 
liquids. 

The  colics  are  to  be  treated  by  anti-spasmodics  (tobac- 
co, stramonium,  laudanum,  etc.,)  and  mild  laxatives,  and 
ilie  animal  must  be  well  fed  to  support  him  under  the 
drain  and  to  keep  the  parasite  gorged,  lazy  and  non-irri- 
tating. In  summer  when  the  bots  are  coming  away  their 
exit  may  be  precipitated  by  a  good  dose  of  physic. 

Prevention.  Trim  off  the  long  hairs  of  the  jaws,  breast, 
shoulder  and  fore  limbs  and  apply  a  little  oil  daily  to  pre- 
vent the  eggs  from  adhering.  Or  brush  off  the  eggs  with 
Boap-suds  daily  before  they  have  had  time  to  hatch  in  the 


206  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


sun.     A  piece  of  cloth  extended  across  beneath  the  jawa 
is  often  employed  to  protect  this  part. 

Eat-  TAILED  MAGGOTS  the  larvae  of  helopliilm  are  also  found 
in  horses'  intestines  but  are  not  known  to  be  injurious. 

Fig.  23. 


Fig.  23 — Helophilus. 
INTESTINAL  WORMS. 

These  are  arranged  in  four  classes :  1.  The  tape-ivorms^ 
consisting  of  flat  bodies  made  up  of  a  succession  of  seg- 
ments or  links,  with  a  narrow  neck  and  small  head,  and 
divided  into  tape-worms  proper,  which  are  round-headed, 
and  bothriocephali,  which  are  flat-headed  with  lateral 
openings  ;  2.  the  flukes,  soft-bodied,  flattened,  leaf -like  or 
ovoid  worms,  with  digestive  organs  and  a  variable  num- 
ber of  sucking  discs  ;  3.  the  thorn-headed  ivorms,  with  long 
rounded  bodies  and  retractile  snouts  furnished  with 
hooks  by  which  they  attach  themselves  to  the  mucous 
membrane,  but  neither  mouth  nor  digestive  canal ;  4. 
lastly,  the  round  loorms  which  differ  from  the  last  in  the 
absence  of  a  protractile,  hooked  snout  and  the  pos- 
session of  mouth  and  digestive  canal.  The  horso 
harbors  in  his  intestinal  canal  at  least  three  tape- 
worms and  seven  round  worms ;  the  ox,  two  tape-worms, 
two  flukes  and  five  round  worms ;  the  sheep,  one  tape- 
worm, one  fluke  and  seven  round  worms;  the  pig,  one 
thorn-headed  worm  and  five  round  worms ;  the  dog,  thir- 
teen tape-worms,  one  fluke  and  five  round  worms  ;  the  cat, 
five  tape-worms,  three  flukes  and  three  round  worms  ;  the 
rabbit,  one  tape-worm  and  three  round  worms ;  the  goose 
and  duck,  nine  tape-worms,  seven  flukes,  one  thorn-headed 
worm  and  seven  round  worms ;  the  chicken,  four  tape^- 
worms,  two  flukes  and  seven  round  worms ;  and  the  tur- 
key and  pigeon,  at  least  two  round  worms  each.     Of  these 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs. 


267 


eighty-eiglit  worms  of  the  digestive  organs  it  is  useless  to 
attempt  any  description  in  a  work  of  the  present  limits,  so 
that  our  attention  must  be  mainly  confined  to  their  symp- 
toms and  treatment.  For  further  information  the  reader 
ig  referred  to  the  author's  larger  work  or  to  those  of 
Leuckhart,  Diesing,  Dujardin,  Baillet,  Cobbold  and  othei 
b  elminthologists. 

The  transformations  of  tape-worms  have  been  already 
referred  to  under  parasites,  and  those  of  flukes  under  (lis 
Fig.  24.  Fig.  25. 


Fig.  24 — Sclerostomum  Equinum.  Fig.  25 — Oxyuris  Curvula. 

Mature  and  young  forms,  nat.  size.  i  Female ;  2  male,  nat.  size. 

etwes  of  the  liver.  The  thorn-headed  worms  lay  their  eggs 
within  the  body  of  their  host,  and  these  being  passed  with 
the  dung  are  swallowed  by  crustaceans  in  which  they  en- 
cyst themselves  and  develop  the  characters  of  the  adult 
worm  in  miniature,  but  remain  very  minute  and  fail  to  at- 
tain their  full  size  till  their  host  is  swallowed  by  another 
animal.  Among  domestic  animals  ducks  and  pigs  harbor 
these,  probably  because  of  their  carnivorous  appetite.  The 
round  worms  mostly  live  in  their  young  and  immature  con- 
dition, out  of  the  body,  in  water  or  moist  earth  or  on  veg- 


2G8 


The  Farmer''s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


etables  (see  lung-ivorms,  verminous  h'oncJdtis,)  but  some  are 
exceptions,  like  the  common  pin-worm  of  the  horse  (Scler- 
ostomum  Equinum)  which  lives  in  pill-like  masses  ol 
dang,  in  little  pouches  and  closed  cysts  of  the  mucous 


Fig.  26. 


Fig.  27. 


Fig.  27 — Trichocephalur.  Afiinife, 


nat.  size. 


Fig.  28. 


iTxg.  26 — Ascaris  Megalacephala.  Fig.  28 — Head  of  Taenia  Expansa 

membrane  of  the  large  intestine  and  in  dilatations  of  the 
blood-vessels,  especially  the  arteries  of  the  bowels.  This, 
with  two  other  common  pin-worms  of  the  horse  (Scleros- 
tomum  Tetracanthum,  Oxyuris  •Cnrvnla,)  are  each  abonl 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs. 


269 


an  inch  in  lengtli  and  all  inhabit  the  large  intestine  in  their 
adult  condition,  sometimes  becoming  so  numerous  in  a 
district  as  to  cause  an  epizootic.  Another  round  worm 
(Ascaris  Megalacephala)  about  six  inches  long  is  ycyj  om- 
mon  in  the  horse's  small  intestine. 

Cattle  suffer  less  from  intestinal  worms,  but  the  foll<jW- 
ing  are  not  infrequently  injurious,  especially  to  calves. 
The  long  tape-worm  (T;enia  Expansa),  Ascaris  Bovis  (like 
a  common  earth-worm),  the  hair-headed  worm  (Tricoceph- 


Fig.  29. 


Fig.  31. 


Ffg.  29 — Head  of  Echinorynchus 
Gigas. 

Fig.  30. 


Fig.  30 — Spiroptera  Strongylina;  Fig.  31 — Ascaris  Suilla. 

a,  nat.  size ;  ^,  tail  enlarged. 

alus  Affinis),  the  Sclerostomum  Hypostomum  and  Stron- 
gylus  Eadiatus. 

Sheep  suffer  severely,  especially  from  the  long  tape- 
worm, Sclerostomum  Hypostomum,  Strongylus  Fillicollis, 
S.  Contortus,  Dochmius  Cemuus  and  Tricocephalus  Affinis. 
The  thick  portion  of  the  body  of  the  last  is  about  an  inch 
long,  the  other  round  worms  are  mostly  imder  an  inch  and 
a  half.  The  tape-worm  is  usually  three  feet  or  under,  bui 
is  alleged  to  gain  a  length  of  twenty,  thirty  and  even  one 
hundred  feet. 


270 


The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


Stmne  suffer  severely  from  a  thorn-headed  worm  (Echin- 
orynchus  Gigas)  from  three  to  eighteen  inches  long;  a 
hair-headed  worm  (Tricocephalus  Crenatus)  a  little 
smaller  than  the  ruminant's ;  an  ascaris  (A.  Suilla)  like 
that  of  ruminants  ;  the  Sclerostomum  Dentatum,  three  to 
tive  lines  in  length,  and  the  Trichina  Spiralis,  one-eight 
eenth  to  one-sixth  inch  long. 

Jj^ig.  32.  Fig.  34. 


Fig.  33. 


Fig.  35 


Fig.  36. 


Fig,  32 — Head  of  Dog's  Tape-worm  (T.  Cucumerina).  Larval  form  in  the 
dog-louse  (Trichodectes  Cani).  Fig.  33 — Head  of  Dog's  Tape-worm  (T. 
Marginata).  Fig.  34 — Cyst  of  same  (Cysticercus  Tenuicollis)  infests  rumi- 
nants, omnivora,  etc.  Fig.  35— Ascaris  Marginata,  nat.  size.  Fig.  36— 
Ascaris  Mystax,  nat.  size. 

In  addition  to  the  tape- worms  mentioned  in  the  general 
articles  on  parasites,  the  dog  suffers  much  from  others,  aa 
from  the  following  round  worms  :  Ascaris  Marginata,  two 
to  four  inches  long;  Spiroptera  Sanguinolenta,  one  and 
one-haK  to  three  inches  long ;  ^trongylus  Trigonocepha- 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  271 

lus  and  Dochmius  Trigonoceplialus,  each  under  one-liail 
inch ;  and  Tricocephalus  Depressiusculus,  the  thick  part 
of  which  is  about  one-half  inch.  One  worm  of  the  cat, 
Ascaris  Mystax,  one  to  three  inches  long,  deserves  men- 
tion because  of  its  being  harbored  also  in  the  human  intes- 
tine. 

General  Symptoms  of  Intestinal  Worms.  These  aro 
shown  when  worms  are  present  in  large  numbers,  when 
they  attach  themselves  to  the  mucous  membranes  or  when 
they  bore  through  these  to  reach  other  parts.  There  are 
general  signs  of  ill-health,  poor  condition,  pot-belly,  hide- 
bound, a  scurfy,  dry  state  of  the  skin,  often  with  itching, 
irregular  and  usually  voracious  appetite,  foetid  breath,  di- 
arrhoea alternating  with  costiveness,  the  passage  of  mu- 
cus with  the  dung,  slight,  cohcky  pams  with  tympany,  es- 
pecially in  the  morning  before  feeding,  a  puffy  swelling 
and  itchiness  of  the  anus,  which  is  often  surrounded  with 
a  fur  of  dried  mucus,  and  above  all,  the  passage  of  the  2uorms 
or  their  eggs. 

In  the  horse  there  is  often  a  tendency  to  elevate  the  up- 
per Hp  and  to  rub  it  against  wall  or  manger,  to  lick  earth 
or  lime,  or  to  shake  the  tail  or  rub  out  the  hair  about  its  root. 
There  may,  though  rarely,  be  severe  flatulent  or  spasmodic 
colic,  enteritis  or  peritonitis. 

In  cattle  there  are  advancing  emaciation,  depraved  or  va- 
riable appetite,  impaked  rumination,  colics,  tympanies 
and  foetid  breath. 

Sheep  lose  appetite,  scour,  suffei"  from  thirst,  wasting, 
bloodless  eyes,  clapped,  unhealthy  or  shedding  wool,  a 
desire  to  eat  earth,  itching  anus  shown  by  frequent  shak- 
ing of  the  tail,  and  finally  dropsical  effusions  in  the  chest 
and  belly  and  beneath  the  lower  part  of  the  body.  They 
become  dull,  hopeless-looking  and  leave  the  flock. 

Simne  beside  the  general  symptoms  have  unusual  vorac- 
ity, and  yet  lose  flesh,  cough,  scour,  start  from  rest  or 
sleep  with  a  sharp  cry,  scream  excessively  just  before 
feeding,  have  colicky  pains,  tender  abdomen  and  vomiting, 


272  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


and  many  even  suffer  from  palpitations  (thumps),  vertigo 
or  convulsions. 

Dogs  suffer  from  inordinate  appetite,  wasting,  itchy 
skin,  staring  coat  or  loss  of  hair,  indigestions,  colics,  oc- 
casional scouring  or  vomiting,  foetid  breath,  and  itching 
anus  shown  by  their  frequently  Hcking  it  or  di'awing  it 
along  the  ground.  Like  swine  they  may  show  irritable 
temper,  starting  without  cause,  palpitations,  vertigo  or 
con\ailsions. 

Treatment.  This  may  be  divided  into  the  administration 
of  agents  to  kill  the  worms,  of  purgatives  to  carry  off  them 
and  their  eggs,  and  of  tonics  to  overcome  the  weakness  and 
the  accumulations  of  mucus  in  which  they  hve  and  thrive. 

The  diet  for  herhivora  should  be  grain  in  summer,  or  in 
winter  sound  natural  hay  salted,  with  carrots,  turnips  or 
beets,  and,  in  the  horse  at  least,  some  of  the  more  nutri- 
tive grains  (oats,  barley,  beans,  corn,  linseed  cake,  etc.,) 
ground  or  unground.  Pigs  may  also  have  green  food, 
roots,  a  Uberal  supply  of  grain,  and  if  available,  buttermilk. 
Dogs  may  have  salt  meat  with  soups  and  milk. 

Before  giving  a  vermifuge  let  the  bowels  be  cleared  out 
by  a  purgative  (horse,  aloes ;  ox  or  sheep,  Glauber  salts ; 
swine,  dog  or  chicken,  castor-oil).  It  should  also  be 
given  fasting  before  the  morning's  feed  and,  if  the  worms 
exist  in  the  large  intestines,  by  injection  as  well  as  by  the 
mouth. 

A  great  list  of  vermifuges  may  be  mentioned,  some  de- 
structive to  intestinal  worms  in  general ;  others  particu- 
larly adapted  to  specific  parasites ;  while  some  that  are 
safe  and  efficacious  for  one  class  of  patients  would  prove 
poisonous  to  another. 

One  class  destroys  worms  by  the  mechanical  irritation  of 
their  skin  and  perhaps  their  intestinal  canal.  It  includes 
iron  filings,  granulated  tin  or  tin  filings,  very  finely  pow- 
dered glass,  and  cowhage.  These  are  given  in  doses  of 
J-  oz.  to  the  large  quadrupeds,  1  dr.  to  sheep  and  swine, 
or  1  scr.  to  dogs,  made  into  a  ball  with  linseeed  meal 


Diseases  of  the  Digestive  Organs.  273 

and  syrup.     They  may  be  repeated  daily  for  a  week  and 
followed  by  a  smart  purge. 

Bitters  (quassia,  cinchona,  gentian,  wormwood,)  are 
often  beneficial  though  mainly  acting  as  tonics.  For 
worms  in  the  last  gut  a  concentrated  solution  as  an  in- 
jection acts  well. 

Among  the  more  direct  vermifuges  are :  Common  salt 
allowed  to  be  licked  at  will  (must  not  be  mixed  in  large 
amount  in  the  food  of  swine  or  chickens) ;  oil  of  turpen- 
tine ;  calomel ;  tartar  emetic  with  sulphate  of  iron,  for  six 
mornings  i-unning,  and  followed  by  a  purge  ;  empyi-eu- 
matic  oils,  and  especially  those  coming  off  at  a  slightly 
lower  temperature  than  creosote  and  carbolic  acid ;  azed- 
arach ;  Spigelia  marilandica  (pinlcroot) ;  santonine ;  sul- 
phuric ether  ;  asafoetida ;  tansy  ;  savin,  etc.  These  are 
general  vermifuges  and  may  be  used  especially  for  the 
round  worms. 

For  tape-ivorms  use  areca  nut ;  kousso ;  root  of  male 
shield-fern ;  pomegranate  root  bark ;  kameela ;  pumpkin 
seeds ;  ailanthus  glandulosa ;  or  oil  of  turpentine.  In 
every  case  the  agent  should  be  given  fasting,  it  may  even 
be  repeated  at  the  end  of  four  hours  and  should  be 
followed  by  a  smart  purge.  For  weak  animals  areca  nut 
is  especially  suitable. 

A  course  of  tonics  (sulphate  of  iron,  gentian,  columba,) 
should  follow  with  sound  nourishing  diet  and  pure  water. 

In  the  case  of  the  Sclerostomum  Equinum,  it  will  usually 
be  needful  to  repeat  the  treatment  at  short  intervals  to 
kill  the  young  worms  which  have  escaped  because  of  their 
being  buried  in  the  mucous  membrane. 

Prevention  is  to  be  sought  by  measures  advised  under 
lung- worms,  especial  attention  being  given  to  sound  nour- 
ishing food  and  pure  water. 
18 


CHAPTER  X. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  LIYEE. 

Effects  of  deranged  functions  of  the  liver.  General  symptoms  and  causes. 
Saccharine  urine,  Diabetes  Mellitus.  Blood-poisoning  from  imperfect  oxida- 
tion of  albuminoids,  Azotaemia,  Azoturia,  Enzootic  Haematuria,  Spinal 
Meningitis.  Red-water  in  cattle,  sheep  and  pigs.  Wood  Evil,  Jaundice, 
Icterus,  the  Yellows.  Congestion  of  the  liver.  Rupture  of  the  liver.  In- 
flammation of  the  hver,  Hepatitis.  Chronic  inflammation  of  the  liver. 
Results  of  hepatitis.  Gall-Stones,  Biliary  Calculi.  Fatty  degeneration. 
Tubercle.  Cancer.  Hypertrophy.  Atrophy.  Parasitic  diseases  of  the 
liver.  Liver-rot,  Fluke-disease.  Fasciola  Hepatica.  Distomum  Lanceo- 
latum. 

Only  now,  when  tlie  functions  of  tlie  liver  are  being 
more  fully  discovered,  do  we  begin  to  apprehend  the  full 
importance  of  its  various  disorders.  Formerly  this  organ 
was  supposed  to  have  exhausted  its  functions  in  the  secre- 
tion of  bile,  and  the  various  modifications  and  impaired 
discharge  of  this  product  together  with  inflammation, 
morbid  growths  and  degenerations  circumscribed  the  list 
of  hepatic  diseases.  But  the  recognition  of  the  formation 
of  glycogen  and  cholesterine  in  the  liver,  together  with  urea 
and  other  less  perfectly  oxidized  nitrogenous  bodies  which 
pass  into  the  blood  in  place  of  being  discharged  with  the 
bile,  points  to  the  liver  as  the  chief  local  seat  of  various 
disorders  such  as  diabetes,  cholesterine  plugging  of  ves 
sels,  blood-poisoning  fi'om  imperfectly  oxidized  albumi- 
noids, and  urinary  calculi. 

General  Symptoms.  These  may  be  stated  shortly  as 
follows :  obesity,  sluggishness,  irregular  bowels,  the  dung 
being  abundant,  liquid  and  deep  yellow  or  orange  from 


Diseases  of  the  Liver,  275 


excesf5  of  bile  in  active  congestions  of  the  liver,  or  on  the 
contrary  there  may  be  costiveness,  with  light-colored, 
foetid,  imperfectly  digested  stools  in  cases  in  which  bile  ia 
not  secreted  or  is  debarred  from  entering  the  bowels  by 
some  mechanical  obstruction ;  lameness  in  the  right  fore 
limb,  or  even  in  one  or  more  of  the  remaining  members, 
without  any  observable  local  cause;  cramps  and  even 
paralysis  in  the  severer  cases  with  poisonous  products 
thrown  into  the  blood  ;  a  tardy  pulse  sometimes  not  more 
than  haK  its  natural  number ;  yellow  or  orange  color  of 
the  eyes  and  other  visible  mucous  membranes,  and  of  the 
urine  in  cases  of  obstructed  bile-ducts  or  intestines  with 
reabsorption  of  bile,  or  in  destruction  of  blood-cells  by 
taurocholic  acid  and  other  products  abnormally  present  in 
the  blood ;  tenderness  or  groaning  when  the  last  ribs  are 
pinched  or  struck  with  the  closed  fist ;  a  yellow  or  orange 
fur  may  sometimes  be  seen  universally  diffused  or  in  cir- 
cumscribed spots  on  the  upper  surface  of  the  tongue  ;  the 
presence  in  the  urine  of  deep  brown  or  reddish  gi-anular 
deposits  replacing  urea  is  another  sign  of  liver  disorder. 
Obstructed  circulation  in  the  hver  causes  congestion  of  the 
portal  vein,  engorged  spleen,  intestinal  catarrh,  effusion  of 
blood  on  the  bowels,  piles,  dropsy  of  the  abdomen,  and 
swelling  of  the  hind  hmbs.  These  may  therefore  be  at- 
tendant symptoms. 

The  conditions  in  which  animals  live  may  further  assist 
our  decision  in  suggesting  an  efiicient  cause.  The  fat,  idle, 
overfed  and  pampered  stock  are  especially  subject  to  liver 
disease,  and  more  particularly  if  kept  in  close,  hot,  damp 
buildings  or  cHmates,  or  supplied  with  putrid  water  or 
unwholesome  food.  Thus  the  pampered  family  horse,  the 
idle  farm  horse  during  our  long  winters,  the  high-bred  ox, 
sheep,  and  pig  in  which  everything  has  been  sacrificed  to 
secure  excellence  as  meat  producers,  the  pet  dog,  and  the 
Brahmas,  Cochms  and  other  plump  hens  of  Asiatic  ex- 
traction, present  frequent  examples  of  liver  dise  ise.  The 
stabled  animal  is  more  subject  to  it  than  those  running  at 


276  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

pasture,  and  the  subject  liberally  fed  on  dry  fodder  than 
that  nourished  on  succulent  green  food.  Then  the  deni- 
zen of  the  warm  latitude  and  damp  miasmatic  soil  is  more 
liable  than  others. 

SACCHAKINE  UKINE,  DIABETES  MELLITUS. 

Very  rare  in  the  lower  animals  but  has  been  seen  in 
carnivora  (dogs),  omnivora  (monkeys),  cattle  and  even  in 
the  horse.  Temporary  sweetness  of  the  urine  is  not  dis- 
ease, but  if  permanent  it  may  be  referred  to  excessive 
production  of  glycogen  in  the  Hver  which  is  probably 
always  enlarged  (Bernard) ;  or  less  frequently  to  the  fail- 
ure of  the  liver  to  transform  the  sugar  of  the  food  into 
glycogen  ;  or  it  may  be  from  disease  of  the  medulla  oblon- 
gata (apoplexy)  or  of  some  part  which  exerts  an  irritant 
reflex  action  on  the  base  of  the  brain.  It  has  been  pro- 
duced experimentally  by  giving  alcohol,  ether,  chloroform, 
quinia,  ammonia,  arsenic,  phosphoric  acid,  and  ivoorali. 

Symptoms.  Rapid  loss  of  condition,  scurfy,  unthrifty 
skin,  costive  bowels,  indigestion,  ardent  thirst,  and  exces- 
sive secretion  of  urine  of  a  high  specific  gravity — horse 
and  ox,  1060 ;  pig,  goat  and  sheep,  1030  and  upward. 
The  tests  for  sugar  are:  1.  taste;  2.  fermentation  when 
yeast  is  added  and  the  whole  allowed  to  stand  in  a  warm 
temperature ;  3.  the  addition  to  a  little  of  the  urine  in 
a  test-tube  of  a  few  drops  of  solution  of  blue  vitriol,  and 
a  considerable  excess  of  potassa,  and  boiling  the  liquid  for 
a  moment  when  if  sugar  is  present  there  is  a  deposit  of  the 
yellowish-brown  suboxide  of  copper. 

Treatment.  Rarely  successful.  The  best  results  are  to 
be  expected  in  cases  in  which  an  active  cause,  such  as  dis- 
ease of  the  liver,  lungs  or  brain,  can  be  recognized  and 
kept  in  check  or  cured.  Thus  with  Hver  disease,  laxatives, 
alkalies,  pure  air  and  water,  green  or  otherwise  laxative 
food,  and  cupping,  mild  blistering  or  even  leeching  over 
the  spare-ribs,  may  be  beneficial.  In  lung  disease  the 
treatment  must  correspond  to  its  nature,  whether  in  flam- 


Diseases  of  the  Liver.  2 


i  ( 


matory,  tuberculous  or  otherwise.  Tonics  and  stomachics 
are  ahnost  always  demanded.  All  the  bitters,  tincture  of 
iron,  the  mineral  acids  and  carbonate  of  soda  have  been 
used  with  profit.  Opium,  which  checks  the  excretion  of 
sugar,  is  injurious  by  impairing  digestion.  Lactic  acid  has 
repeatedly  succeeded  at  the  expense  of  a  severe  attack  of 
rheumatism.  Free  secretion  from  the  skin  is  beneficial 
and  should  be  encouraged  by  warm  clothing,  baths  and 
climate.  Diet  should  be  mainly  albuminous,  such  as  bran 
mashes  and  gruels,  peas,  beans,  vetches,  flesh  deprived  of 
fat,  etc. 

BLOOD-POISONING  FROM  IMPERFECT  OXIDATION  OF  ALBUMINOIDS. 
AZOTCEMIA.       AZOTURIA.       HEMOGLOBINURIA. 

Variously  described  in  the  books  as  disease  of  the  kid- 
neys and  spinal  cord,  this  is  really  due  to  disease  of  the 
liver  which  fails  to  effect  the  transformation  of  albumi- 
noids into  urea,  and  entails  an  accumulation  in  the  gland 
and  m  the  circulating  fluid  of  partially  oxidized  products, 
such  as  leucin  and  tyrosin,  which  pass  off  in  variable 
amount  by  the  kidneys.  It  attacks  almost  exclusively 
horses  which  have  stood  idle  in  the  stable  for  a  few  days, 
on  good  diet,  and  are  then  taken  out  and  subjected  to  ac- 
tive exertion. 

Symptoms,  etc.  These  are  very  variable.  In  the  mild- 
est  forms  there  is  only  some  lameness  and  muscular  trem- 
bHng  in  a  particular  limb,  without  apparent  cause,  brought 
on  by  sudden  exertion  and  attended  by  a  dusky-brown 
color  of  the  membranes  of  the  eye  and  nose  and  some 
signs  of  tenderness  when  the  short  ribs  are  struck.  This 
may  be  entii-ely  cured  by  a  course  of  gentle  laxatives  (pod- 
ophyllin,  1  scr.)  and  diuretics  (colchicum,  muriate  of  am- 
monia, taraxacum,  nitre,)  and  a  gradual  inuring  to  work, 
beginning  with  the  slightest  exertion  and  increasing  day 
by  day  as  the  condition  improves.  The  luorst  forms  come 
on  during  or  after  driving,  it  may  be  not  more  than  one 


278  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

hundred  yards,  the  fire  and  hie  suddenly  giving  place  tc 
anxiety  and  despondency,  the  subject  seems  to  be  in  vio- 
lent pain,  the  flanks  heave,  the  nostrils  are  dilated,  the 
face  is  pinched,  the  surface  is  drenched  in  perspiration, 
the  body  trembling  violently,  the  Hmbs  weak,  so  that  they 
sway  and  bend,  while  the  animal  walks  crouchingly  behind 
and  soon  goes  doT\Ti  unable  to  support  himseK.  If  ui'ine 
is  passed  it  is  high-colored,  dark  bro^Ti,  red  or  black,  and 
is  usually  thought  bloody,  but  it  contains  neither  clots  nor 
blood-corpuscles,  its  color  being  due  to  the  imperfectly 
oxidized  albuminoids  mixed  with  an  excess  of  urea.  "^Tien 
the  patient  is  down  the  limbs  and  whole  body  are  still 
convulsed  at  intervals,  but  are  beyond  the  control  of  the 
animal,  showing  the  poisonous  effect  on  the  nervous  sys- 
tem. The  pulse  is  variable  but  high  and  the  temperature 
of  the  body  normal  at  first,  though  it  rises  sHghtly  if  the 
animal  survives.  Death  may  ensue  in  a  few  hours  or  days, 
or  improvement  manifested  at  any  period  may  go  on  to 
complete  recovery.  The  blood  is  dark,  diffluent,  clots 
loosely  if  at  all,  and  smells  strongly.  In  some  cases  of  re- 
covery a  partial  paralysis  of  the  hind  limbs  or  wasting  of 
the  crural  nerve  and  muscles  above  the  stifle  T\dll  some- 
times persist  for  a  time,  showing  structural  nervous  disease. 

Frevention  is  to  be  sought  by  regular  daily  exercise.  In 
the  case  of  horses  which  have  had  a  period  of  absolute 
repose,  submit  to  walking  exercise  only,  at  first,  and  in- 
crease this  day  by  day  until  they  have  attained  good,  hard 
condition. 

Treatment.  Clear  out  the  bowels  and  unload  the  por- 
tal vein  and  liver  by  active  purgatives.  PodophyUin  ^ 
drachm,  aloes  4  diachms,  may  be  given  by  the  mouth,  and 
copious  injections  of  soap-suds  with  oil  or  salts  by  the 
anus  until  the  bowels  respond,  in  which  case  a  favorable 
termination  may  be  hoped  for.  Drachm  doses  of  bromide 
of  potassium  may  be  given  frequently  to  calm  nervous  dis- 
order, and  when  the  bowels  have  responded  half  drachm 
doses   of  colchicum   and   di'achm   doses   of  muriate    of 


Diseases  of  tlie  Liver.  279 

ammonia  three  times  a  day.  Warm  fomentations  to 
the  body,  but  especially  to  the  loins,  are  beneficial,  alike 
in  soothing  irritation  in  the  liver,  spinal  marrow  and  kid- 
neys, and  in  securing  a  free  perspii-ation  and  the  elimina- 
tion of  morbid  matters  by  the  skin.  They  may  be  replaced 
by  a  newly  removed  sheep-skin  appUed  with  the  fleshy 
side  in,  and  followed  by  a  mustard  poultice.  When  the 
appetite  retxirns  the  diet  must  be  of  sloppy  mashes  and 
moderate  in  quantity. 

In  case  the  paralysis  persists  after  the  acute  symptoms 
have  subsided,  treat  as  for  functional  paralysis. 

WOOD  EVIL.      BED  WATER  OF  CATTLE,  SHEEP  AND  PIGS. 

Under  this  name  we  designate  a  malad}^  generally  de- 
iscribed  as  bloody  urine  (hcematuria),  but  as  the  liquid  does 
Hot  usually  contain  blood  globules  or  clots,  and  as  the 
liver  is  almost  invariably  enlarged  and  softened  and  the 
blood  elements  are  largely  destroyed,  it  must  be  conceded 
that  the  affection  is  more  intimately  associated  with  disor- 
der of  the  hepatic  functions  than  of  any  other.  The  cause, 
which  may  be  stated  as  feeding  on  irritant  and  unwhole- 
some food,  is  such  as  is  calculated  to  disorder  the  digest- 
ive organs  and  liver.  The  blood  seems  to  suffer  second- 
arily, though  it  is  by  no  means  disproved  that  other  blood- 
forming  functions  beside  those  of  the  liver  are  involved. 
The  blood  itseK  is  usually  thin,  watery  and  comparatively 
incoagulable,  with  a  deficiency  of  fibrine,  albumen  and  red 
globules — the  last  named  elements  being  smaller  than  nat- 
ural and  irregularly  notched  around  their  margins.  The 
urine  varies  in  color  fi-om  a  simple  reddish  tinge  through 
the  various  shades  of  red  and  brown  to  black.  It  contains 
albumen  and  various  albuminoid  agents,  excess  of  urea, 
cholesterine  and  phosphates,  implying  hepatic  disturbance 
and  destructive  changes  taldng  place  in  the  blood. 

This  is  essentially  a  disease  of  unim^^roved  locaKties 
and  attacks  animals  fed  too  exclusively  on  products  of 
such  land,  which  are  naturally  stimulating  to  the  digest- 


280  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


ive  organs  and  liver.  Turnips  and  other  saccharine  roots, 
though  perfectly  safe  from  ordinary  soils,  are  dangerou? 
from  these,  and  in  the  natural  meadows  and  woods  the 
young  shoots  of  resinous  trees  (coniferse)  and  the  acrid 
plants  of  the  ranunculus,  colcliicum  and  asdepicts  families, 
etc.,  are  held  to  produce  it.  Its  prevalence  in  woods  and 
uncultivated  meadows  has  procured  for  it  in  almost  all 
European  countries  some  name  equivalent  to  tvood  disease. 
An  important  element  in  the  causation  is  the  existence  of 
soil  rich  in  organic  matter  and  soured  by  the  stagnation 
of  water  owing  to  a  clay  or  otherwise  impervious  subsoij. 
Cows  are  very  susceptible  just  after  calving  and  often  per- 
ish. 

Symptoms.  Dullness,  languor,  weakness,  especially  of 
the  hind  limbs,  trembling,  surface  coldness,  staring  coat, 
dry  muzzle,  hot  mouth  and  horns  and  diminution  of  the 
milk  which  is  white  and  frothy  and  may  throw  down  a  red- 
dish sediment.  Appetite  is  lost,  thirst  ardent,  pulse  small 
and  weak,  beats  of  the  heart  tumultuous,  amounting  to  palpi- 
tation in  the  parturient  cases,  bowels  at  first  relaxed  after- 
ward costive,  abdomen  tender,  urine  passed  frequently  in 
small  quantity  and  often  with  suffering.  Colicky  pains 
are  often  a  marked  symptom  when  the  irritation  of  the 
bowels  is  extreme.  Delirium  even  will  set  in  in  bad  cases 
and  death  usually  supervenes  on  a  state  of  extreme  pros- 
tration. 

Prevention  may  be  sought  in  thorough  drainage;  in 
restricting  the  allowance  of  objectionable  food  and  supple- 
menting it  with  sound  dry  grain  and  fodder ;  in  the  avoid- 
ance of  damp,  woody  and  natural  meadows  in  spring  until 
there  is  a  good  growth  of  grass,  and  in  the  rejection  of  hay 
from  faulty  pastures  containing  an  excess  of  acrid  plants. 

Treatment.  At  the  onset  of  the  disease  nothing  succeeds 
better  than  a  free  evacuation  of  the  bowels  and  depletion 
of  the  portal  vein  and  liver  by  an  active  purgative.  When 
there  is  no  abdominal  pain  or  other  sign  of  inflammation 
of  the  bowels,  salts  or  any  other  active  purgative  will  suf- 


Diseases  of  the  Liz er.  281 


fice,  but  with  colic  and  tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  we 
must  restrict  our  choice  to  olive-oil,  and  other  bland  ma- 
terials. In  advanced  and  weak  conditions,  decoctions  of 
linseed  should  be  resorted  to.  The  animal  is  to  be  sup- 
ported by  diffusible  stimulants  and  iron  tonics,  with  chlo- 
rate of  potassa,  and  the  bowels  sheathed  and  protected  by 
infusions  of  sHppery  ehn,  or  maUow,  decoctions  of  linseed, 
eggs,  milk  or  mucilage ;  diet  should  consist  of  linseed  decoc- 
tions, well-boiled  gruels,  bran  mashes,  and  other  nutritive 
and  easily  digested  food. 

JAUNDICE.      ICTERUS.      THE  YELLOWS. 

This  name  is  given  to  that  condition  in  which  the  visi- 
ble mucous  membranes,  the  skin — if  white — the  urine  and 
the  tissues  are  stained  yeUow,  orange  or  brown  by  bile 
coloring  matter.  It  is  only  a  symptom  of  various  disor- 
ders, but  is  so  specific  in  its  characters  that  the  name  bids 
fair  to  be  retained  for  the  state.  It  is  not  caused  as  once 
supposed  by  the  non-secretion  of  bile  from  the  blood,  but 
by  the  re-absorption  of  bile  already  secreted. 

This  absorption  may  be  determined  by  various  cases. 
1.  Obstruction  of  the  bile  duct,  by  gaU-stones,  parasites, 
foreign  bodies  entering  from  the  gut,  fibrous  or  spasmodic 
stricture  of  the  duct,  inflammation  or  ulceration  and  swell- 
ing of  the  mucous  membrane  of  the  canal,  or  the  intestine 
near  the  opening,  tumors  or  overloaded  intestines.  2. 
Obstruction  of  the  bowels  which  hinders  the  discharge 
of  the  bile.  3.  Diminished  fullness  of  the  capiUary  ves 
sels  of  the  liver  from  partial  mechanical  obstruction  oi 
hepatic  artery  or  aorta.  4.  Excessive  secretion  of  bile  in 
congested  states  of  the  liver. 

Jaundice  may  also  result  from  imperfect  metamorpho- 
sis of  the  re-absorbed  bile,  as  in  certain  fevers  (anthraxj 
Texan-fever,  hog-cholera,  purpura  hsemorrhagica,)  in 
blood-poisoning,  (septic  matter,  snake  venom,  phospho- 
rus, mercury,  copper,  antimony,  chloroform,  other,  car- 
bonic acid).     It  may  farther  result  from  the  breaking  down 


282  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  red  blood-globules  and  liberation  of  their  coloring  mat- 
ter to  stain  the  blood  and  textures.  This  may  be  caused 
by  excess  in  the  blood  of  water,  bile  acids  (taurocholates) 
alkalies,  nitrites,  ether  or  chloroform.  It  may  result  from 
freezing,  burning,  (140^  F.)  and  frictional  and  induction 
currents  of  electricity.  It  is  noticeable  that  the  coloring 
matter  in  the  blood  of  solipeds  is  very  easily  dissolved 
and  that  of  carnivora  only  with  difficulty.  Hence  the 
frequency  of  a  dusky  or  jaundiced  appearance  of  the  mem- 
branes in  horses  and  its  comparative  harmlessness,  as 
contrasted  with  similar  conditions  in  the  dog.  It  is  further 
probable  that  the  re-absorbed  bile  acids  are  transformed 
into  bile  pigment  in  certain  states  of  the  blood. 

Symptoms.  General  coloration  of  all  the  tissues,  but 
especially  the  mucous  membranes  of  a  yellow,  or  over 
large  veins  of  a  greenish  hue,  and  also  of  the  urine.  When 
there  is  obstruction  of  the  bile  duct,  the  dung  is  devoid 
of  bile,  foetid  and  often  clayey  in  appearance,  but  if  from 
other  causes  it  may  retain  its  natural  color  and  odor. 

Other  symptoms  may  appear  dependent  on  the  nature 
of  the  attendant  disease,  or  the  poisonous  action  of  the 
bile  acids,  and  of  various  diseased  products  on  the  blood, 
while  the  coloration  itseK  seems  to  be  comparatively  harm- 
less. 

Treatment.  This  will  depend  on  the  nature  of  the  cause. 
As  a  general  rule  what  favors  the  action  of  the  bowels, 
the  free  elimination  of  the  bile,  and  depletion  of  the  portal 
vein  and  Hver  will  counteract  the  jaundice.  Small  daily 
doses  of  podophyllin,  (horse  and  ox  1  scr.)  with  one  or 
more  ounces  each  of  Glauber,  Epsom,  and  common  salt, 
as  may  be  needful,  will  often  act  very  efficiently.  Or  aloes, 
jalap  or  calomel,  may  replace  the  podophyllin.  Taraxa- 
cum may  be  given  either  in  diuretic  or  purgative  doses,  or 
a  herbivorous  patient  may  be  turned  out  on  a  pasturage 
of  dandelion ;  succulent  spring  grass  indeed  is  sometimes 
aU  that  is  needed.  Diuretics  are  useful  in  effecting  elim- 
ination of  the  pigment,  the  carbonates  and  acetates  of  po- 


Diseases  of  the  Liver.  283 


tassa,  soda  and  ammonia  being  especially  good.  Bittei 
and  other  tonics  are  often  valuable  in  conteracting  tliat  im- 
pairment of  tone  which  favors  congestion  and  swelling  of 
the  stomach,  intestine  and  liver,  otherwise  the  treatment 
must  correspond  to  the  nature  of  the  cause  when  that  can 
be  ascertained. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

This  is  common  in  horses  in  warm  climates,  where 
luxuriant  grasses  (plethora)  and  hot  seasons  strongly  pre- 
dispose. Hence,  in  the  Southern  States,  and  especially  in 
localities  which  are  moist  as  well,  and  where  malarious 
emanations  exist,  it  may  be  looked  for,  but  it  is  also  seen 
in  pampered  idle  animals  kept  in  hot  close  stables  any- 
where. Eich  food  and  the  comparative  absence  of  waste  by 
exercise  and  breathing  throw  too  much  labor  on  the  liver, 
which  is  rendered  Hable  to  clogging  and  congestion.  Among 
the  immediate  exciting  causes  may  be  named  sudden 
changes  of  temperature,  emigration  from  a  cold  to  a  warm 
damp  region,  chills  in  cold  dewy  nights  after  hot  days, 
sudden  exertion  when  unfitted  for  it  by  long  rest  and  bad 
condition,  exertion  under  intense  heat  of  the  sun,  and  blows 
on  the  region  of  the  liver,  particularly  on  the  young. 
Venous  congestion  from  imperfect  action  of  the  heart 
valves  is  a  cause  of  hepatic  congestion,  at  once  predispos- 
ing and  exciting. 

Symjotonis.  These  strongly  resemble  the  severe  forms 
of  poisoning,  by  imperfectly  elaborated  liver  products,  the 
two  conditions  being  often  coexistent  and  mutually  do- 
pendent  on  each  other.  There  are  the  sudden  prostration, 
dull  sunken  eyes,  pinched  anxious  face,  excited  breathing 
and  pulse,  trembling,  swaying  limbs,  perspiration,  sighing, 
and  violent  coHcky  pains  with  frequent  looking  at  the  flank, 
lying  dowTi  and  rising.  Striking  the  last  ribs  with  the  fist 
causes  flinching,  gi'oaning,  or  even  attempts  to  kick  oi 
bite,  and  some  jaundice  and  furring  of  the  tongue  are  often 
Been.     When  fainting  ensues,  this  with  the  pallid  mucous 


284  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

membranes  and  quick,  weak  pulse,  imply  rupture  of  the 
liver  and  extensive  loss  of  blood.  In  the  slighter  attacks 
the  S3^mptoms  are  correspondingly  mitigated. 

The  attack  may  subside  and  end  in  complete  recovery, 
or  blood  effused  into  the  substance  of  the  liver  may  be 
slowly  absorbed,  or  organized  into  fibrous  material,  or 
ma}  determine  extensive  and  fatal  softening  of  the  liver, 
or  finally  the  patient  may  perish  in  a  fainting  fit  from  rupt- 
ure of  the  liver  and  loss  of  blood. 

Treatment.  At  the  outset  a  free  bleeding  will  often  ob- 
viate effusion  of  blood  and  rupture  and  check  the  disease. 
It  must  never  be  resorted  to,  however,  when  faintness,  a 
weak,  small  pulse  or  a  small  stream  from  the  orifice  im- 
plies abeady  existing  effusion.  Quiet,  mustard  poultices 
or  other  derivatives  applied  to  the  limbs  and  saline  pur- 
gatives (1  lb.  sulphate  of  soda)  by  the  mouth,  and  as  in- 
jections will  prove  valuable  in  directly  depleting  the 
portal  system  and  liver.  Cold  water  or  ice  to  the  last  ribs 
will  often  serve  to  check  effusion  already  begun.  The 
sulphate  of  soda  may  be  kept  up  in  small  doses  (1  to  4 
ozs.  daily)  and  a  mustard  or  other  blister  may  be  applied 
over  the  region  of  the  liver.  During  treatment  the  animal 
must  have  the  purest  air  and,  as  food,  soft  bran  mashes 
and  roots.  After  recovery  feed  moderately  on  sound,  eas- 
ily digested  food,  keep  in  pasture  or  airy  stable  and  never 
neglect  moderate  exercise  even  for  a  day. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER.      HEPATITIS. 

Due  to  the  same  causes  as  congestion  but  much  less  fi-e- 
quent.  In  dogs,  beside  the  general  causes  we  must  ac- 
knowledge the  influence  of  sharp-pointed  bodies  swallowed 
in  wantonness,  and  splinters  of  bones  which  perforate  the 
stomach  and  liver. 

Symptoms.  At  first  those  of  slow  congestion  already 
referred  to.  As  active  inflammation  sets  in  there  is  less 
violent  pain  and  excitement  and  more  fever.  The  pulse 
is  accelerated,  the  breathing  quickened,  especially  in  in- 


Diseases  of  the  Liver.  285 

flammation  of  the  liver  capsule,  the  region  of  the  last  ribs 
is  very  tender  to  a  blow  (on  the  right  side  only  in  rumi- 
nants), the  mouth  hot  and  clammy,  tongue  furred,  mucous 
membranes  more  or  less  dusky  or  yellow  and  the  heat  of 
the  body  raised  by  2^  or  upwards.  The  bowels  may  be 
at  first  loose,  yellow  and  bilious  but  soon  are  confined, 
the  small  pellets  of  dung  being  covered  with  a  yellowish 
mucus  and  this  state  may  again  give  place  to  a  mucous 
diarrhoea.  Appetite  is  usually  completely  lost,  emaciation 
advances  rapidly,  blood  spots  and  patches  appear  on  the 
visible  mucous  membranes,  and  the  legs,  especially  the 
hind  ones,  swell  or  stock.  Great  nervous  atony,  convul- 
sions or  even  delirium  may  appear  toward  the  last. 

In  dogs  there  is  great  dullness  and  muscular  weakness, 
inclination  to  He  constantly,  unsteady  gait,  dusky  or  yel- 
low membranes,  furred  tongue,  prominence  of  the  last  ribs 
on  the  right  side  and  tenderness  along  them  and  their 
cartilages.  When  the  disease  is  fully  developed  the  tumid 
edge  of  the  hver  may  be  felt  behind  the  last  rib  and  the 
costal  cartilages.  A  brownish,  mucous  diarrhoea  succeeds 
to  the  prehminary  constipation.  Great  nervous  prostra- 
tion and  stupor  usually  precede  death.  The  disease  is 
very  fatal  in  dogs  but  may  merge  mto  the  chronic  form 
with  ascites  or  end  in  a  perfect  recovery. 

Fotvis,  especially  the  less  Hvely  bkds,  suffer  much  from 
hepatitis  when  well  fed  and  kept  in  a  small  poultry-yard. 
They  may  die  suddenly  qf  effusion  of  blood  on  the  liver 
w  itliout  any  previous  signs  of  illness,  or  they  may  droop 
for  some  days  or  even  weeks  prior  to  death.  Any  change 
in  the  habits  of  closely  confined,  plethoric  fowls  should 
lead  to  suspicion  of  hver  disease.  Ruffled  feathers,  sink- 
ing of  the  head  between  the  wings,  sluggishness  in  run- 
nuig  or  feediQg,  drooping  ui  a  corner  alone,  with  a  with- 
ered brownish  appearance  of  the  comb  and  jaundice  of 
the  skin  are  especially  to  be  noted. 

Treatment.  Bleeding  is  rarely  beneficial  and  we  must 
rely  mainly  on  depletion  from  the  portal  system  and  Hve^ 


286  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

by  pui'gatives,  or  counter-irritants  and  cliange  of  habits. 
A  pound  of  sulphate  of  soda  may  be  given  at  once  to  the 
larger  animals,  or  an  ounce  to  a  shepherd's  dog  and  an 
equivalent  amount  by  injection.  Podophyllin,  aloes,  etc., 
may  be  used  instead.  Friction,  with  loose  bandaging  oi 
tjje  limbs,  with  or  without  excitation  with  mustard  or  am- 
monia and  cupping,  or  in  small  animals  leeching  over  tho 
region  of  the  liver  or  mustard  poultices  are  demanded. 
After  the  bowels  have  been  freely  opened  smaller  doses  of 
Glauber  salts  or  cream  of  tartar  may  be  given  daily  to 
keep  up  a  free  action  of  the  bowels,  and  throughout  the 
diet  must  be  soft  (mashes,  roots,  green  food,)  and  restricted 
in  quantity.  Taraxacum  with  bitter  tonics  (Peruvian 
bark,  gentian,  coliimba,  gelsemium,  etc.,)  will  be  useful 
during  convalescence,  and  when  the  herbivorous  patient  is 
well  enough  to  be  pastured  in  a  field  well  stocked  with 
dandelion  this  may  be  resorted  to.  In  carnivora  and 
swine  ipecacuanha  and  guaiacum  are  useful  in  favoring  free 
elimination  by  the  bowels  and  skin. 

Foiols  attacked  usually  die,  but  the  morbid  state  in  which 
the  disease  takes  its  origin  may  be  counteracted  in  the  re- 
maining fowls  by  a  free  range,  by  cabbage,  cooked  pota- 
toes, turnips  and  other  vegetable  food  in  place  of  grain, 
and  a  small  quantity  of  salt  and  Glauber  salts  in  the  food 
or  water.     Excess  of  common  salt  is  poisonous. 

CHRONIC  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

This  is  seen  especially  in  horses  and  dogs,  the  liver  often 
attaining  an  enormous  size  or  undergoing  fibrous  degen- 
eration (cirrhosis).  It  is  attended  by  the  same  symptoms 
as  the  acute  form,  but  these  are  less  urgent  and  dropsy  of 
the  belly  and  legs  is  a  common  result. 

It  is  to  be  treated  in  the  same  manner  as  the  acute  form 
but  less  energetically,  mild  laxatives  with  bitters  daily  and 
above  all  a  fi-ee  range  in  the  open  air;  for  herbivora, 
sound,  juicy  pastures  and  in  case  of  malarious  soil  or  im- 
pure water,  a  change  even  for  a  few  miles  to  a  higher  lo- 
cality. 


Diseases  of  the  Liver.  287 


RESULTS  OF  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  LIVER. 

Beside  recovery  there  may  be  effusion  of  blood  with  soft- 
ening, granular  softening,  abscess  and  fibrous  induration. 
These  if  not  promptly  fatal  give  rise  to  wasting  diseases 
with  general  symptoms  of  liver  disorder,  but  into  these 
our  space  will  not  permit  us  to  enter.  (See  the  author*s 
large  work.) 

GALL-STONES.      BILIARY  CALCULI. 

These  are  especially  common  in  oxen  when  subject  to 
the  dry  feeding  of  winter  but  are  found  in  all  domestic 
animals,  often  in  great  numbers.  They  occur  as  round 
masses,  angular  masses  when  they  have  lain  in  contact,  or 
as  incrustations  on  the  walls  of  the  ducts  of  which  they 
form  distinct  casts.  They  often  fail  to  cause  manifest 
disorder,  but  if  they  obstruct  the  ducts  there  is  acute  spas- 
modic pain  in  the  abdomen,  with  all  the  signs  of  colic, 
tenderness  over  the  last  ribs,  and  more  or  less  jaundice. 
The  attacks  are  liable  to  recur  as  new  calculi  are  displaced, 
and  the  general  health  suffers.  Carnivora  vomit,  and  in 
all  diarrhoea  may  set  in  if  reHef  is  not  obtained.  Sheep 
generally  have  incrustations  when  affected  with  flukes 
(liver  rot). 

The  formation  of  these  calculi  may  usually  be  prevented 
in  herbivora  by  allowing  a  fair  amount  of  exercise  and 
succulent  food,  and  they  nearly  always  disappear  in  cattle 
turned  out  on  the  rich  grasses  of  spring.  Beside  these  meas- 
ures their  removal  maybe  sought  by  the  daily  use  of  carbon- 
ate and  sulphate  of  soda  and  common  salt,  with  abundance 
of  good  water  and  exercise.  During  the  attacks  give  anti- 
spasmodics, lobelia,  belladonna,  hyoscyamus,  chloral-hy- 
di-ate,  etc.,  and  keep  up  hot  fomentations  perseveringly  to 
the  loins  and  abdomen.  Chloral-hydrate  and  chloroform 
dissolve  cholesterine  calculi. 

Other  affections  of  the  liver,  fatty  degeneration,  tuber- 
cle, cancer,  hypertrophy,  atrophy,  are  manifested  by  the 
general  symptoms  of  hepatic  disorders,  but  space  tcrl^ids 
further  notice  of  them  here. 


288 


The  Farmers  Veterinary  Adviser. 


PARASITIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER. 
LIVER-ROT.      FLUKE  DISEASE. 

This  affection  is  most  destructive  to  sheep,  of  which  it 
has  destroyed  as  many  as  from  one  to  two  miUion  head 
in  England  alone  in  certain  years.  It  is  immediately 
determined  by  the  presence  in  the  gall  ducts  of  two  flat 
leaf-like  parasites — the  Fasciola  Hepatica  and  the  Disto- 
mum  Lanceolatum — the  first  f  to  1  inch  in  length,  the 


Fig.  37. 


Fig.  38. 


Fig.  37 — Fasciola  Hepatica. 


Fig.  38 — Distomum  Lanceolatui 


Becond  4  lines.  These  inhabit  the  gall  ducts  of  all  the 
domestic  animals,  of  many  wild  animals  and  even  of  man, 
but  in  most  of  these  they  do  Httle  harm.  The  eggs  of 
these  parasites  laid  in  the  gall  ducts  cannot  be  developed 
there,  but  pass  out  with  the  bile  and  dung,  hatch  in  pools 
of  fresh  water  in  which  the  embryo  floats  until  it  finds 
a  mollusk,  in  which  it  encysts  itself  and  becomes  a  brood 
capsule  developing  many  new  embryos  within  it;  theso 
embryos  may  form  new  brood  capsules  and  thus  increase 
their  numbers  materially,  or  if  swallowed  by  a  mamma] 
along  with  its  food  or  water  they  develop  into  the  mature 


Diseases  of  the  Liver.  289 


flukes,  inhabiting  the  bile  ducts  and  reproducing  them- 
selves only  by  eggs.  The  necessity  for  these  intermediate 
generations,  and  the  fact  that  they  can  only  take  place  in 
fresh  water  and  in  fresh  water  mollusks,  points  to  thorough 
drainage  as  the  most  efficient  means  of  limiting  the  ravages 
of  the  parasites. 

In  small  numbers  they  do  little  harm  and  as  they  can- 
not multiply  within  the  body  their  presence  may  be  of  no 
consequence,  but  when  present  in  large  numbers  they  be- 
come most  destructive.  In  certain  damp  lands  stocked 
with  these  parasites  sheep  cannot  live,  no  matter  how 
well  fed,  and  cattle  often  perish  as  well.  A  single  in- 
fested sheep  brought  on  sucii  damp  lands  will  speedily 
stock  them,  as  infested  German  rams  did  the  colony  of 
Victoria  in  1855. 

Symptoms.  Sheep  may  thrive  unusually  for  a  month  or 
two,  but  soon  they  begin  to  lose  iiesh  and  waste  with 
a  rapidity  that  is  surprising.  The  skin  and  the  membranes 
of  the  nose  and  eyes  become  soft  and  puffy,  the  naturally 
bright  pink  vessels  of  the  eye  become  yellowish,  dark,  or 
even  quite  imperceptible,  the  whole  eye  assumes  a  yellow 
tinge,  the  skin  is  pale,  bloodless,  deficient  in  yolk  or  oil, 
dry  and  scurfy.  The  wool  loses  its  brilliancy  and  comes 
out  easily  when  pulled.  The  muscles  waste,  the  animal 
is  razor-hacked,  the  hip-bones  project,  and  the  flank  becomes 
sunken,  the  belly  pendent  and  the  back  drooped  from 
dropsical  effusion.  Similar  effusions  take  place  in  the 
chest  beneath  the  abdomen  and  breast-bone  and  under 
the  lower  jaw.  The  head  is  no  longer  carried  erect,  the 
expression  of  the  face  is  haggard  and  hopeless,  the  appe- 
tite capricious,  thirst  ardent,  and  there  is  occasional 
diarrhoea.  Examination  of  the  dung  detects  myriads  oi 
microscopic  eggs  y^^  inch  in  diameter. 

Treatment.  Almost  all  the  tonics  of  the  pharmacopoeia 
have  been  employed  with  more  or  less  effect,  but  all  usu- 
ftlly  fail  when  many  parasites  have  gained  access  to  the 
19 


290  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

system.     The  following  is  a  good  example  of  a  tonic  mixt- 
ure : 

Linseed,  rape,  pea,  oat,  barley,  or  unbolted  wheat 
flour,  40  lbs. 

Powdered  gentian  or  anise  seed,  4   " 

Common  salt  4   " 

Sulphate  or  oxide  of  iron,  1   " 

Give  haK  a  pint  daily  to  each  sheep. 

In  all  treatment  it  is  essential  to  remove  from  the  in- 
tested  meadow  to  a  perfectly  dry  pasture  or  salt  marsh  on 
either  of  which  the  eggs  of  the  fluke  will  perish.  To  turn 
on  a  wet  fresh  pasture  is  merely  to  stock  that  with  the 
parasites. 

Prevention.  Keep  sheep  on  high  dry  pastui'es  or  salt 
marshes  where  the  fluke  cannot  live  out  of  the  body. 
Feed  salt  daily  if  flukes  exist  to  however  limited  an  extent  • 
this  is  fatal  to  the  young  flukes  and  will  destroy  most  of 
them  as  they  are  taken  in.  Thorough  drainage  of  infested 
pastures  will  make  them  wholesome.  This  may  fail  when 
land  is  subject  to  inundations,  and  in  this  case  such  land 
should  be  devoted  to  raising  hay  or  other  crops.  Keeping 
the  sheep  off  the  infested  fields  at  nights  and  until  the 
dews  leave  the  grass  in  the  morning  will  go  a  long  way 
towards  protecting  them.  In  some  instances  of  the  intro- 
duction of  this  parasite  into  a  new  country  the  contami- 
nated sheep  should  be  destroyed  and  the  infested  pasture 
with  a  wide  area  around  it  proscribed  from  being  gi*azed. 

For  other  parasites  of  the  liver,  see  general  article  on 
''Parasites," 


CHAPTER  XI. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  PANCEEAS  AND  SPLEEN. 

Diseases  of  the  pancreas  :  inflammation,  degeneration,  calculi,  etc.  Dis 
eases  of  the  spleen  :  tuberculous,  cancerous,  glanderous,  inflammatory,  con 
gestive,  apoplectic.     Hypertrophy,  Atrophy,  Lymphadenoma,  Leukaemia. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  PANCREAS. 

Though  subject  to  a  variety  of  diseases  as  shown  by  the 
existence  of  abscess,  tuberculosis,  sarcoma,  melanosis,  can- 
cer, calculi  and  worms  (Sclerostomum  Equinum)  after 
death,  this  organ  is  so  deeply  seated  and  the  result  of  its 
disorder  so  little  manifest,  that  its  pathological  states  usu- 
ally pass  without  recognition  during  life.  One  symptom 
only  is  characteristic — the  passage  of  much  undigested  fat 
with  the  dung.  The  fatty  aliment  is  mainly  emulsionized 
by  the  pancreatic  juice,  and  its  presence  in  the  stools  un- 
changed may  be  held  to  imply  suppression  of  that  secre- 
tion. If  this  condition  coincides  with  general  fever,  col- 
icky pains,  and  tenderness  behind  the  last  rib  on  the  riglit 
Bide,  inflammation  of  the  gland  may  be  suspected ;  if  with 
sharper  coHc  but  without  fever,  obstruction  of  the  ^ncn-eatic 
duct  by  calculi  will  be  suggested. 

Inflammation  should  be  treated  on  general  principles  b^^ 
laxatives,  blisters  to  the  right  side  of  the  abdomen  an.'' 
spare  diet ;  Calculi  by  antispasmodics  and  fomentations 
as  for  gall-stones ;  and  simple  suppressed  seo^etion  by  sul- 
phuric ether. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  SPLEEN  (mILT). 

These  are  if  possible  even  more  occult  than  those  of  the 


292  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


pancreas.  And  yet  this  organ  is  involved  in  nearly  all 
diseases  of  tlie  liver,  in  specific  fevers  due  to  a  poison  in 
the  blood,  and  in  disorders  of  the  lymphatic  vessels.  Ob- 
structed circulation  through  the  liver  sends  the  blood 
back  on  this  organ  and  over-distends  it  almost  to  rupture. 

Advanced  tuberculosis  and  cancer  rarely  fail  to  show 
secondary  deposits  here.  Glanders  sometimes  shows  the 
same  tendency.  Anthrax  and  anthracoid  affections  and, 
to  a  less  extent,  other  specific  fevers,  lead  to  enlargement 
and  even  rupture  of  the  spleen,  in  connection  with  the 
long  retention  of  the  blood  and  disease  poisons  in  its  ve- 
nous cavities.  Of  particular  diseases  the  spleen  suffers 
from  ivasting  in  starved  animals,  from  extraordinary  in- 
crease in  the  highly  fed,  and  from  changes  of  structure 
such  as  alandular  degeneration  and  enlargement  (hjmphade- 
nomaj.  JJjci..  of  these  diseases,  and  notably  the  latter, 
are  associated  with  an  excess  of  white  globules  in  the 
blood,  (leuTwemia)  which  condition  revealed  by  the  micro- 
scope may  assist  in  diagnosis. 

We  can  do  Httle  for  these  affections  besides  giving  at- 
tention to  the  general  health,  by  tonics  and  a  sound  hy« 
^eue. 


CHAPTER  XII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  UEINAEY  ORGANS. 

General  causes  and  symptoms.  Examination  of  the  urine.  Diuresis,  Dl 
abetis  Insipidus,  Polyuria.  Bloody  urine,  Hcematuria.  Simple  inflamma- 
tion of  the  kidneys,  Nephritis.  Bright's  disease.  Desquamative  Nephritis 
Albuminuria,  Albuminous  urine.  Spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  bladder.  Paraly- 
sis of  the  bladder.  Inflammation  of  the  bladder.  Cystitis.  Inflammation 
of  the  Urethra,  Gonorrhoea,  Gleet.  Stricture  of  the  Urethra.  Eversion  of 
the  bladder.  Urinary  Calculi,  and  gravel.  Stone  in  the  kidney,  ureter,  blad- 
der, urethra  and  prepuce, — in  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  pigs  and  dogs. 

Diseases  of  the  urinary  organs  are  not  infrequent  in  the 
domestic  animals,  though  less  prevalent  than  in  man. 
They  prevail  above  all  in  certain  localities,  as :  on  the 
magnesian  limestones,  in  company  with  goitre,  on  lands 
abounding  in  diuretic  or  resinous  plants  or  water,  in  damp 
regions  where  fodder  is  secured  in  a  wet,  musty  condition, 
where  it  is  fed  covered  with  hoar-frost,  or  where  frequent 
cold  rains  and  winds  repress  the  perspiration  and  throw 
undue  work  on  the  kidneys.  Feeding  to  excess  on  ali- 
ments rich  in  phosphates  of  lime  and  magnesia — bran, 
beans,  peas,  vetches,  etc., — the  habitual  privation  of  wa- 
ter, injudicious  dosing  with  diuretics,  diseased  heart  and 
lungs  which  throws  the  blood  back  on  the  veins  and  de- 
termines passive  congestion  of  the  kidneys,  diseases  of  the 
liver  which  interfering  with  the  oxidation  of  albuminoids 
predispose  to  urinary  deposit,  and  Jfinally  mechanical  in- 
juries to  the  loins  or  pelvis  all  tend  to  induce  various 
urinary  diseas-es. 

General  Symptoms.  With  most  acutp  inflammations 
there  is  a  stiff  straddling  gait  with  th^  hind  limbs,  the 


294  The  Far7ner's  Vekrmanj  Adviser. 

loins  are  tender,  as  ascertained  by  pinching  on  the  spir.e:^ 
or  the  transverse  processes  of  the  backbone,  there  is  lesf^ 
difficulty  experienced  in  backing  than  when  there  is  spraii: 
or  fracture  of  the  back  or  loins,  and  the  animal  is  more 
likely  to  lie  down  though  it  costs  an  extra  effort  to  rise, 
bhere  is  straining  to  discharge  urine,  which  is  passed  in 
excess,  in  deficiency,  in  jets,  in  dribblets  only,  or  not  at  all. 
'n  the  larger  animals  the  bladder  and  its  excretory  duct 
^urethra)  are  easily  and  satisfactorily  examined  by  the 
hand  introduced  through  the  rectum  or  vagina  and  any 
tenderness,  flaccidity,  swelling,  over-distension  or  foreign 
agent  (stone)  is  easily  made  out.  In  the  smaller  breeds 
of  horses  and  cattle  even,  the  kidneys  may  be  reached  in 
this  way  and  any  heat,  swelling,  tenderness,  etc.,  perceived. 
Then  brain  disease,  dropsies  and  skin  eruptions  are  com- 
mon results  of  urinary  disorder. 

Examination  of  the  Urine.  But  a  certain  class  of  urin- 
ary diseases  are  only  to  be  made  out  by  examination  of 
the  urine.  Beside  the  modifications  of  quantity  and  flow 
already  referred  to,  this  may  be  altered  :  1st,  in  color,  as 
wJdte  from  saline  deposits,  hroion  or  red  from  blood  clots 
and  coloring  matter,  or  from  imperfectly  oxidized  albu- 
minoids, yellow  or  orange  from  bile  or  blood  pigment,  2'>dle 
or  variously  tinted  from  vegetable  colors  taken  with  the 
food :  2(i,  in  density  as  measured  by  a  hygrometer  (uiin- 
ometer),  the  natural  urine  being  in  the  horse  and  ox  1030 
to  1060,  pig  and  goat  1010  to  1012,  dog  1020  and  cat  1058  : 
ScZ,  in  chemical  reaction,  acidity  or  alkalinity,  as  ascertained 
by  blue  litmus  or  red  test-papers  (healthy  herbivorous 
urine  is  alkahne,  turning  the  red  papers  blue  unless  after 
prolonged  abstinence  or  a  flesh  diet ;  carnivorous  and  om- 
nivorous urine  is  acid  excepting  when  confined  to  a  vege- 
table diet) :  4^7/,  in  cn^ganic  ingredients,  as  when  it  contains 
albumen  (coagulable  by  boiling  or  by  strong  nitric  acid  or 
in  the  horse  giving  the  Hquid  a  ropy  consistency),  sugar, 
blood,  bile,  cylindroid  microscopic  casts  of  the  uriniferoue 
tubes  or  the  eggs  or  bodies  of  worms :    bth,  in  its  salts^ 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  295 

which  may  crystallize  out  in  the  system  or  at  once  after 
the  Hquid  is  discharged,  or  after  cooHng,  or  finally  may 
have  to  be  precipitated  by  chemical  reagents. 

DIURESIS.      DIABETES  INSIPIDUS.      POLYURIA. 

Excessive  secretion  of  urine.  This  may  occur  in  any 
animal  from  agents,  medicinal  or  alimentary,  which  un- 
duly stimulate  the  kidneys.  The  horse,  however,  is  the 
most  frequent  sufferer,  being  more  than  any  other  animal 
subjected  to  recldess  dosing  by  those  about  him  with  pri- 
vate nostrums  and  much  advertised  quack  preparations, 
and  to  the  exclusive  use  of  musty  and  injured  hay  and 
grain.  Musty  hay,  grain  or  bran  is  perhaps  the  most 
common  cause,  the  noxious  agent  being  probably  the 
cryptogams  produced  on  this  damp,  heated  fodder.  Musty 
oatmeal  will  even  affect  the  human  being.  New  oats, 
very  watery  food  Hke  the  refuse  of  distilleries,  and  cooked 
food,  seleniteous  waters,  acrid  diuretic  plants  in  the  pas- 
tures or  hay,  exposure  to  extreme  cold  and  wet,  and  ex- 
cessive thirst  consequent  on  feeding  salt  or  on  irritation 
of  the  stomach  are  other  causes.  Whole  flocks  of  sheep 
sometimes  suffer  at  once  from  acrid  plants  eaten. 

Symptoms.  Frequent — often  almost  constant — passage 
of  a  very  pale-colored  urine  in  large  quantities  and  of  low 
specific  gravity,  insatiable  thirst,  rapid  falling  off  in  con- 
dition and  spirits,  sluggishness  and  weakness  at  work  and 
perspiration  on  the  slightest  exertion.  The  discharges 
are  comparatively  inodorous  and  more  like  water  than 
horse's  urine,  and  contain  little  solid  matter  though  the 
quantity  of  soKds  passed  in  twenty-four  hours  is  in  excess. 
The  skin  becomes  rough  and  hide-bound  and  all  the  signs 
of  ill-health  set  in,  though  the  animal  may  suffer  and  sur- 
vive for  months  or  even  a.  year.  More  commonly  he  dies 
early  of  exhaustion,  or  glanders  supervenes  and  kills  the 
patient. 

Treatment  is  very  successful  in  the  early  stages.  Stop 
tiie  use  of  faulty  food  and  di'ugs  and  give  dry  wholesome 


296  The  Fanner^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

haj  and  grain  with  no  suspicion  of  newness  or  mustiness. 
Give  a  decoction  of  flaxseed  freely  with  the  water  diamk. 
with  phosphate  of  iron  2  drachms,  Pemvian  bark  4 
drachms  and  iodide  of  potassium  2  drachms  daily.  Ore  - 
osote  may  often  be  added  with  advantage. 

BLOODY  URINE.      HEMATURIA. 

This  occurs  after  sprains  of  the  loins  or  blows  on  this 
region,  with  stone  in  the  kidneys,  urinary  passages  or  blad- 
der, cancer,  tubercle  or  even  abscess  of  the  kidney,  etc.,  or 
lastly  some  poisoned  condition  of  the  blood,  as  in  malig- 
nant anthrax.  Acrid  diuretic  pJants,  cantharides,  May- 
bugs,  etc.,  are  occasional  causes.  When  bleeding  occurs 
from  local  irritation  or  in  a  tolerably  healthy  state  of  the 
blood  it  is  partly  at  least  in  the  form  of  clots  and  fibrinous 
casts  of  the  uriniferous  tubes,  about  one-hundreth  inch  in 
diameter,  and  entangling  blood-globules.  If  from  poi- 
soned and  disintegi'ating  blood,  there  is  a  diffuse  colora- 
tion with  hsematine,  with  perhaps  fragments  of  blood- 
globules,  but  rarely  perfect  ones,  clots  or  casts,  and  a  sim- 
ilar oozing  of  blood  is  liable  to  take  place  at  other  parts 
»f  the  body.  The  blood-coloring  matter  is  easily  distin- 
guished from  bile  by  chemical  tests.  It  is  less  easily  dis- 
tinguished from  the  browTiish-red  albuminoids  which  es- 
"-ape  by  the  kidneys  in  Azotsemia.  Beside  the  passage  of 
blood  there  may  be  the  general  signs  of  urinary  disorder, 
but  these  are  not  constant.  -When  gravel  coexists  gritty 
masses  pass  with  the  urine  or  collect  on  the  hair  of  the 
prepuce. 

Treatment  Kemove  the  causes,  give  comfortable,  dry 
IweUings,  sound  food,  mucilaginous  drinks  (h'nseed  tea, 
naUow,  gums,  elm,  etc.,)  and  acid  astringents  (tincture  of 
chloride  of  iron,  sugar  of  lead,  vinegar,  buttermilk  and  oak 
bark).  In  profuse  discharge  cold  water  may  be  applied  to 
the  loins,  while  in  inflammatory  cases  a  sheep-skin  or 
poultice  may  be  first  used  and  followed  by  a  mustard 
plaster.     (See  4zot^mia  and  Bed- water). 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs,  297 

NEPHRITIS.      SIMPLE  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Causes.  Blows  or  sprains  in  the  region  of  the  loins, 
stone  in  the  kidneys,  use  of  diuretics  to  excess,  musty 
fodder,  irritant  or  acrid  plants  in  hay,  too  extensive  blis- 
ters of  Spanish  flies,  paralysis  of  the  spinal  cord. 

Symptoms.  A  variable  but  often  very  high  fever,  heat 
or  even  swelling  of  the  loins,  tenderness  often  extreme 
beneath  the  bony  processes  about  six  inches  from  the 
spine,  a  stiff,  straddling  gait  with  the  hind  limbs,  little 
marked  in  chronic  cases  but  so  severe  as  to  amount  almost 
to  helplessness  in  the  worst,  the  loins  arched,  progression 
difficult  and  attended  in  some  cases  by  groaning,  there  is 
looking  at  the  abdomen  and  colicky  pains,  more  severe  at 
one  time  than  another.  If  the  patient  Hes  down  it  is  with 
caution.  In  males  there  are  alternate  retraction  and  de- 
scent of  the  testicles,  and  in  all  tliere  is  Hkely  to  be  frequent 
passages  of  urine  in  small  amount,  of  a  very  high  color  and 
density,  and  containing  fibrinous  casts  of  the  kidney  tubes 
one-hundreth  of  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  sometimes  blood 
or  even  pus.  The  bowels  are  costive  and  there  is  a  rapid 
pulse,  an  elevated  temperature  and  excited  breathing. 
The  legs  tend  to  swell  uniformly  from  the  foot  up,  and 
swellings  may  appear  under  the  chest  or  belly,  or  even  in 
internal  cavities. 

General  ill-health,  with  stocking  of  the  legs,  casts  in  the 
urine  and  some  tenderness  of  the  loins  to  pressure,  may 
be  all  that  is  seen  in  the  chronic  cases. 

Treatment.  In  acute  cases,  mth  strong  pulse  and  ro- 
bust patient,  an  immediate  advantage  may  be  gained  by 
bleeding,  but  this  is  rare.  Give  a  laxative  of  olive-oil  or 
rav  linseed-oil,  or  in  case  of  necessity  of  Glauber  salts  or 
aloes,  accompan3dng  this  with  an  anodyne,  (opium,  bella- 
donna, tobacco,)  throw  anodyne  and  mucilaginous  injec- 
tions into  the  rectum,  and  cover  the  loins  with  a  fi'esh 
sheep-skin,  the  fleshy  side  in,  or  with  a  soothing  poultice  or 
fomentations,  following  this  up  in  six  or  eight  hours  by  a 
mustard  poultice.     Mucilaginous   drinks'  may   bo  gi^en 


298  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

fieely,  but  diuretics  are  to  be  sedulously  avoided  and 
warm  clothing  used  to  favor  sweating  and  thus  relieve  the 
kidneys  of  work.     Laxatives  and  anodynes  must  be  ro 
peated  as  may  seem  necessary  and  finally  a  course  of 
bitter  tonics  may  be  allowed. 

ALBUMINUEIA.      BEIGHT's  DISEASE.      DESQUAMATIVE  NEPHRITIS. 

This  consists  in  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  acute  or 
chronic,  with  degeneration  and  shedding  of  the  epithe- 
b*um  from  the  kidney  tubes. 

Symptoms.  More  or  less  awkwardness  of  gait  behind, 
and  tenderness  of  the  loins,  in  some  cases  indisposition  to 
lie  dowTi,  thick,  gelatinous,  ropy  urine,  with  microscopic 
casts  of  the  kidney  tubes,  containing  much  spherical 
epithelium  and  granular  matter.  The  urine  coagulates  in 
part  in  whitish  flakes  when  boiled,  or  under  the  action  of 
corrosive  sublimate,  acetate  of  lead  or  nitric  acid.  The 
general  health  sufi'ers  and  the  patient  dies  sooner  or  later 
of  uraemia  with  dropsy,  or  of  some  other  aff'ection  which 
has  been  aggravated  by  the  impaired  vitality  and  the 
excess  of  the  elements  of  urine  in  the  blood. 

Treatment  is  not  always  satisfactory,  though  a  certain 
proportion  recover.  Avoid  exposure  to  cold,  keep  in  a 
warm  box  and  warmly  clothed.  Keep  the  bowels  acting 
freely  by  a  restricted  diet  of  w^arm  bran  mashes,  etc.,  or 
even  by  laxatives.  Give  tonics  (phosphate  of  iron,  quinia, 
willow  bark,)  and  mineral  acids  and  use  mustard  appli- 
cations to  the  loins.  If  the  kidneys  fail  to  act,  do  not 
give  diuretics,  but  use  cupping  over  the  part,  or  hot  fo- 
mentations with  water,  or  better  still  a  strong  infusion  oi 
digitaKs. 

Albuminous  Uriney  which  is  always  ropy  in  horses,  is  no 
proof  of  the  existence  of  Bright's  disease,  but  is  an  attend- 
ant on  nearly  all  exten^ve  inflammations  of  important 
organs,  on  rheumatism,  fevers  and  certain  poisoned  con- 
ditions of  the  blood. 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  299 


SPASM  OF  THE  NECK  OF  THE  BLADDEK. 

Causes.  Prolonged  retention  of  urine  in  mares  at  work 
or  in  horses  hard  driven.  Chill  when  heated.  Nervous 
iiritation.  Is  a  common  attendant  on  severe  colic  and 
gives  way  when  that  is  relieved.  Males  suffer  most  fre- 
quently. 

Symptoms.  Frequent  attempts  to  urinate,  which  prove 
ineffectual  or  secure  a  didbbling  only  after  much  pain  and 
straining.  There  may  be  anxious  looking  at  the  flank 
and  uneasy  shifting  of  the  limbs,  or  in  cattle  twisting  of 
the  tail.  There  is  tenderness  in  the  back  part  of  the  ab- 
domen in  the  median  line  below.  The  hand,  oiled  and 
introduced  into  the  rectum,  will  feel  the  distended  blad- 
der, with  its  firm  dense  neck  and  no  enlargement  either 
there  or  backward  in  the  urethra,  as  from  stone. 

If  unrelieved  the  bladder  becomes  immoderately  dis- 
tended and  finally  bursts,  especially  in  ruminants.  This 
is  followed  by  tenderness  of  the  abdomen,  febrile  symp- 
toms, dullness  and  languor,  and  if  the  bladder  is  exam- 
ined it  is  found  to  be  flaccid  and  tender.  Perforation  of 
the  lower  part  of  the  abdomen  with  the  nozzle  of  a  h^-po- 
dermic  syringe  allows  the  escape  of  urine,  easily  recog- 
nized by  its  odor. 

Treatment.  Spreading  fresh  litter  under  the  horse  will 
sometimes  induce  staling.  If  not,  use  antispasmodics  in- 
troduced by  the  rectum  or  even  by  the  mouth  (opium, 
laudanum,  belladonna  or  hyoscyamus  extract,  tobacco 
smoke  or  solution,  chloral-hydrate,  lobelia,  prussic  acid, 
cyanide  of  potassium,  etc.)  Solutions  of  any  of  these 
jig?nts  may  be  rubbed  on  the  perinseum.  Sometimes  the 
spasm  will  give  way  under  gentle  pressure  on  the  bladder 
with  hand  or  finger  in  the  rectum.  Finally,  all  other 
measures  failing,  the  urine  may  be  withdraT\Ti  with  a  well- 
oiled  catheter.  This  should  be  i  inch  in  diameter  for 
the  horse,  \  inch  for  the  bull  and  a  line  for  the  dog.  Con- 
trary to  the  usual  statement  a  small  catheter  may  be 
passed  in  the  bull  when  the  penis  is  sufficiently  extended 


300  The  Farmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

to  efface  the  S-sliaped  bend  of  the  penis.  In  the  mare 
the  spasm  may  be  overcome  by  the  insertion  of  one  or 
two  fingers  through  the  opening  which  is  found  in  the 
median  line  of  the  floor  of  the  passage  about  four  inches 
from  the  external  orifice.  In  the  cow  care  is  required  to 
enter  the  central  orifice  as  there  is  a  blind  sac  on  each 
side. 

PABALYSIS  OF  THE  BLADDER 

May  occur  from  excessive  over-distension,  in  connection 
with  lock-jaw  or  rheumatism  which  prevents  stretching  to 
stale,  with  cystitis  implicating  the  muscular  coat,  spasm 
of  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  or  decomposition  of  the  urine. 
It  is  attendant  on  disease  or  injury  of  the  terminal  part 
of  the  spinal  cord,  on  broken  back,  etc.,  and  is  then  asso- 
ciated with  palsy  of  the  tail  and  it  may  be  of  the  hind 
limbs. 

Symptoms.  If  the  neck  is  involved  the  urine  dribbles 
away  constantly,  without  straining,  is  discharged  in  the 
sheath  and  runs  down  inside  the  thighs  causing  irritation 
and  inflammation  in  both.  If  the  neck  is  unaffected  the 
urine  accumulates  in  the  bladder,  causing  over-distension, 
irritation  and  rupture.  The  urine  decomposes,  setting 
fi'ee  ammonia  which  softens  and  dissolves  the  epithelium 
and  estabhshes  the  worst  type  of  cystitis. 

Treatment.  In  cases  of  broken  back  or  disease  of  the 
spinal  cord  attention  must  be  given  to  that  and,  if  reme- 
diable, the  urine  must  be  drawn  off  frequently  with  a  cath- 
eter to  prevent  over-distension  and  injury  to  the  bladder. 
In  local  paralysis,  or  after  the  spinal  cord  has  recovered, 
apply  a  blister  (mustard)  between  the  thighs  beneath  the 
anus  or  vulva  or  over  the  back  part  of  the  belly  inferiorly. 
Give  belladonna  extract  (1  to  2  drachms),  cantharides  (1 
to  3  grains)  or  nux- vomica  (-J  drachm  for  large  herbivora). 
Use  electricity. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDEK.       CYSTITIS. 

Causes.     Abuse   of   diuretics,  acrid  diuretic  plants   in 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  301 


the  food,  tlie  application  of  blisters  (Spanish  flies,  turpen- 
tine,) over  too  extensive  surfaces,  prolonged  retention  and 
decomposition  of  urine,  irritation  from  stone  in  the  blad- 
der, etc. 

Symptoms.  If  confined  to  the  mucous  membrane  urine 
is  passed  frequently,  painfully,  in  small  quantities,  with 
more  or  less  floating  mucus  and  flat,  microscopic,  fibri- 
nous shreds  of  exudation  entangling  columnar  or  scaly  ep- 
ithelium. The  bladder  is  very  tender  to  the  touch  and 
if  the  finger  is  passed  into  it  in  the  female  its  neck  and 
walls  are  felt  to  be  thickened,  sometimes  enormously. 
There  are  colicky  pains,  frequent  looking  at  the  flanks,  un- 
easy movements  of  the  hind  feet  or  twisting  of  the  tail. 
The  gait  is  stiff  and  straddling.  There  is  fever,  usually 
slight.  If  the  muscular  coat  is  involved  there  is  disten- 
sion of  the  bladder,  and  if  the  neck  participates  the  urine 
escapes  involuntarily.  If  due  to  unrelieved  stone  that  will 
be  found  on  examination. 

The  case  is  most  hopeful  if  due  to  iiritants  or  some  clearljs 
removable  cause. 

Treatment.  Eemove  the  cause,  whether  food,  drugs, 
blistering  agents  on  the  skin,  stone,  gravel  or  retained  and 
decomposed  urine.  Give  spare,  soft,  aqueous  diet  with 
mucilaginous  agents  (linseed  decoction  or  tea,  slippery 
elm,  gums,  etc.,)  laxatives  of  olive  or  linseed-oil,  soft  pure 
water  at  will,  and  mucilaginous  and  anodyne  injections 
into  the  bladder  (gum  Arabic  1  drachm,  opium  1  drachm, 
tepid  water  1  pint).  BKsters  may  be  used  in  paralysis. 
In  severe  cases  these  may  be  preceded  by  fomentations. 
Finally,  when  the  acute  symptoms  have  subsided,  small 
doses  of  stimulating  diuretics  (copaiva,  cubebs,  juniper, 
buchu,)  will  often  serve  to  tone  up  the  mucous  membrane. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  UKETHRA.      GONORllHGEA.      GLEET. 

Causes.  Like  cystitis  this  may  depend  on  irritants  in 
the  urine,  taken  by  the  mouth  or  applied  to  the  surface, 
excessive  copulation,  connection  with  a  newly-delivered 


302  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser 

female  or  one  that  has  otherwise  contracted  a  vaginal  dis- 
charge, mechanical  injury  to  the  penis  in  serving  females, 
irritation  from  the  passage  or  arrest  of  small  stones  or 
gravel. 

Symptome.  Swelling  and  soreness  in  the  sheath  and 
penis,  pain  in  urinating,  the  liquid  coming  in  jets  and  fre- 
quently arrested  because  of  the  suffering.  In  dogs  tliere 
is  continual  licking  of  the  organ  and  soon  a  creamy  pus 
drops  from  the  orifice. 

Treatment.  K  before  the  discharge  of  pus,  give  a  laxa- 
tive and  foment  the  parts  with  warm  water.  Wash  out 
any  gravel.  If  after  suppuration,  use  soothing  or  astrin- 
gent injections  (permanganate  of  potassa,  acetate  of  lead, 
sulphate  of  zinc  or  nitrate  of  silver,  2  grains  to  1  oz.  water). 
Tonics  and  stimulating  diuretics  may  be  finally  needed  as 
in  cystitis.    A  soft  restricted  diet  is  demanded. 

STKICTUKE  OF  THE  UKETHRA. 

Usually  a  result  of  local  irritation : — gravel,  strong  as- 
triugent  injections  used  in  the  early  stage  of  gonorrhoea  or 
the  healing  of  ulcers  formed  when  that  disease  is  neg- 
lected. 

Symptoms.  Great  difficulty  in  urination,  the  liquid  es- 
capiug  in  a  fine  Siream  and  with  pain.  Frequent  painful 
erections. 

Treatment.  Passing,  daily,  catheters  of  gradually  iu- 
creasiQg  sizes,  begirming  with  one  just  large  enough  to 
enter  with  gentle  force. 

EVEESION  OF  THE  BLADDER 

Can  occur  only  in  the  female,  from  severe  straining  in 
irritation  of  the  uriuary  organs,  and  especially  after  the 
organ  has  been  rendered  torpid  or  paralyzed  by  over-dis- 
tension, severe  parturition  or  otherwise.  The  animal 
strains  violently  and  a  red,  tumid,  rounded  mass  appears 
from  between  the  lips  of  the  vulva.  On  examiaiug  its 
surface  near  the  neck  the  two  orifices  of  the  ureters  may 
be  detected  with  the  urine  ooziug  from  them  in  drops. 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  303 

Treatment  "Wash  with  milk-warm  water  containing 
laudanum,  and  return,  pressing  the  centre  of  the  mass  in- 
ward so  as  to  correct  the  eversion.  The  main  difficulty 
will  be  met  in  returning  it  through  the  contracted  neck  of 
the  bladder,  and  if  the  eversion  has  lasted  long  enc  ugh  to 
determine  inflammation  and  softening  great  care  will  be 
requisite  to  avoid  tearing  the  coats.  Should  straining  be 
so  violent  as  to  threaten  renewal  of  the  eversion  a  truss 
may  be  applied  as  advised  for  eversion  of  the  womb. 

URINAEY  CALCULI  AND  GRAVEL.      STONE. 

These  vary  in  chemical  composition  with  the  genus  of 
animal  and  especially  with  the  nature  of  the  food.  In 
herbivora  the  urine  normally  contains  a  large  amount  of 
the  carbonates  of  hme  and  magnesia  and  of  oxalate  of  lime, 
a  small  quantity  of  silica,  sulphate  and  phosphate  of  lime, 
ammonio-magnesian  phosphate,  hippuric  acid  and  some- 
times uric  acid,  besides  the  more  soluble  alkaline  salts. 
Carnivora,  on  the  other  hand,  have  an  excess  of  phosphate 
of  lime  and  magnesia,  of  sulphates  and  chlorides,  more 
uric  acid  than  the  vegetable  feeders  but  a  minimum  amount 
of  carbonate  and  oxalate  of  lime  and  silica.  The  omnivora 
occupy  an  intermediate  position,  the  salts  of  the  urine  va- 
rying with  the  frequent  changes  in  the  food. 

The  nature  of  the  food  determines  the  excess  of  particular 
salts  in  the  urine  and  their  precipitation  in  the  form  of 
crystals. 

These  carbonates  of  lime  and  magnesia  which  make  up 
tlie  bulk  of  most  urinary  calculi  in  horses  and  ruminants 
are  due  to  the  large  amount  of  vegetable  acids  (citrates, 
tai-trates,  malates,  acetates,  etc.,)  in  plants.  These  becom- 
ing further  oxidized  are  transformed  into  carbonic  acid 
which  unites  with  the  magnesia  or  lime  present  in  the 
blood. 

Oxalate  of  lims  is  due  to  imperfect  oxidation  of  the  veg- 
etable acids,  oxalic  acid  containing  an  equivalent  less  of 
oxygen  than  carbonic  acid.     It  appears  in  excess  in  cer- 


304  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tain  diseases  of  the  lungs  or  other  conditions  which  inter- 
fere with  respiration. 

Silica  enters  the  system  as  silicate  of  potassa  in  food 
and  water  and  especially  in  C3^eracesea,  horsetails,  oat- 
straw,  oat-meal,  etc.  It  is  displaced  as  silica  whenever  it 
comes  in  contact  with  a  stronger  acid. 

Phosphates  enter  the  system  in  bran,  in  beans,  peas, 
and  the  leguminous  seeds  generally,  in  oil-cake  and  rape- 
cake,  or  (the  camivora)  in  the  flesh  and  bones.  When 
present  in  undue  amount  in  a  given  quantity  of  urine  they 
tend  to  crystallize  out,  but  when  a  large  amount  of  phos- 
phate of  magnesia  is  present,  it  is  only  necessary  that  the 
urine  should  be  retained  longer  than  usual  in  the  bladder 
and  that  decomposition  should  set  in  with  evolution  of  am- 
monia, to  have  the  insoluble  ammonia-magnesian  phos- 
phate at  once  thrown  down. 

Sulphate  of  lime  is  derived  from  sulphates  in  the  water 
or  the  oxidation  of  sulphur  contained  in  the  albuminoid 
principles  of  food. 

Urea,  Uric  Add,  Hippuric  Add,  Creatine,  Creatinine, 
Kiestiiie,  Leiidn,  Ty rosin,  etc.,  are  aU  nitrogenous  elements, 
derived  from  the  waste  of  muscle  and  gelatinous  tissues, 
or  from  albuminoid  matters  in  the  food.  Urea  is  to  be 
looked  on  as  the  healthy  product  of  such  decomposition, 
while  uric  and  hippuric  acids,  etc.,  are  products  in  which 
the  process  of  oxidation  has  stopped  short,  leaving  the 
products  in  a  less  soluble  condition  and  more  liable  to 
crystallize  out  of  the  urine.  Impaired  breathing  from  dis- 
eased lungs  or  otherwise  and  imperfect  action  of  the  liver, 
whether  from  local  disease  in  that  organ  or  from  feverish 
states,  with  impaired  functions  generally,  are  therefore 
among  the  causes  which  strongly  predispose  to  urinary 
calculi. 

Beside  these  a  certain  amount  of  mucus,  fat,  coloring 
matter  and  even  blood  enter  into  the  formation  of  urinary 
calculi. 

Accessory  Causes.     To  the  above  named  causes  favoriiig 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  305 

the  formation  of  urinary  calculi,  may  be  added  all  such  as 
favor  concentration  of  the  urine.  Thus  scarcity  of  drink- 
ing water,  excessive  loss  of  liquid  by  the  bowels  or  skin, 
(diarrhoea,  dysentery,  etc.,)  dry  winter  feeding  on  hay  and 
grain,  feverish  states  in  which  Httle  urine  is  secreted,  and 
hard  waters  appear  to  have  this  effect.  The  last  named 
cause  is  not  generally  credited  by  physicians  but  its  coin- 
cidence with  the  prevalence  of  stone  is  exceedingly  com- 
mon. 

Mode  of  Formation.  The  first  requisite  is  that  some 
solid  body  should  exist  as  a  nucleus  around  which  layer 
after  layer  is  crystallized,  and  hence  the  stone  is  always 
composed  of  a  series  of  concentric  layers.  The  nucleus 
may  consist  in  a  particle  of  mucus,  fibrine  or  blood,  a 
crystal  deposited  from  over-saturated  urine,  or  even  a  for- 
eign body  introduced  from  without.  I  have  seen  a  large 
calculus  in  the  kidney  of  a  deer  formed  around  a  piece  of 
wood  which  must  have  penetrated  the  kidney  and  broken 
off,  while  the  wound  by  which  it  entered  had  healed  up. 

Appearance.  Calculi  vary  much  in  character  but  the 
most  marked  varieties  are  the  smooth  stones  formed  by 
carbonates,  oxalabes,  phosphates  and  silica,  and  the 
rough  jagged  crystalline  specimens  of  ammonio-magnesian 
phosphates. 

Benal  Calculi.  Those  found  iii  the  kidney  are  usually 
moulded  in  the  pelvis,  though  I  have  found  many  Hke 
small  lentils  in  dilatations  of  the  microscopic  tubes  in  the 
substance  of  the  gland.  Cattle  fed  on  dry  hay  and  grain, 
during  winter,  rarely  want  small  yellow  crystalline  masses 
in  the  pelvis.  Even  when  so  large  as  to  distend  the  pel- 
vis and  weigh  several  ounces  they  are  not  always  incom- 
patible with  good  health  and  aptitude  to  fatten.  When 
so  large  or  rough  as  to  produce  manifest  disorder,  this 
appears  as  irritation  of  the  kidneys,  tender  loins,  stiff 
straddHng  gait,  etc.,  with  the  passage  of  microscopic  crys- 
tals, and  perhaps  blood  or  pus  in  the  urine.  In  cattle  and 
sheep  the  salts  from  the  concentrated  urine  usually  crys* 
20 


306  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tallize  out  on  the  hairs  around  the  opening  of  the  sheath. 
All  species  of  domestic  quadrupeds  suffer. 

There  is  no  satisfactory  treatment  and  the  great  object 
is  to  prevent  their  formation  by  the  measures  named 
below. 

Urecral  Calculi.  These  are  lodged  in  the  small  canals 
\^hich  convey  the  urine  from  the  kidneys  to  the  bladder. 
They  are  usually  formed  in  the  pelvis  of  the  kidney  and 
being  washed  on  with  the  urine  are  arrested  in  the  ureter. 
The  symptoms  are  more  violent  than  those  of  renal  cal- 
culi, since  the  flow  of  the  urine  is  checked  and  the  ureter 
and  pelvis  of  the  kidney  are  over-distended,  while  the  kid- 
ney itself  undergoes  inflammation  and,  if  the  animal  sur- 
vives, is  finally  removed  by  absorption,  the  opposite  kid- 
ney meanwhile  enlarging  and  doing  the  work  of  two.  The 
coHcs  and  general  symptoms  are  like  those  of  nephritis. 
The  elastic  distended  ureter  may  sometimes  be  felt  with 
the  oiled  hand  introduced  through  the  rectum.  Like  re- 
nal calculus  this  is  usually  irremediable.  Antispasmodics 
will  sometimes  succeed  by  relaxing  the  duct  and  allowing 
the  accumulated  urine  to  pass  the  obstruction  onward. 
They  are  best  given  by  injection  into  the  bowel.  If  ne- 
phritis sets  in  the  treatment  must  correspond. 

Cystic  Cahuliis.  Stoiie  in  the  Bladder.  Seen  in  all  do- 
mestic animals. 

Symptoms.  Frequent  straining  to  pass  urine,  which 
escapes  in  dribblets,  in  jets  checked  by  a  sudden  arrest, 
or  not  at  all.  Blood  in  clots,  and  microscopic  crystals 
or  calculi  usually  pass  with  the  urine.  Examination  with 
the  oiled  hand  in  the  rectum  will  detect  the  rounded  mass 
in  the  bladder,  especially  if  it  is  partially  filled  with  water. 
In  the  female  it  may  be  struck  by  a  smooth  metaUic 
sound,  or  even  touched  with  the  finger. 

Treatment.  By  breaking  the  stone  into  small  pieces 
which  may  pass  with  the  urine  (lithotrity ) ,  or  by  extrac- 
tion whole  after  dilatation  or  cutting  of  the  passages  (lith" 
Gtomy).     Lithotrity  is  effected  with  the  lithotrite  of  the 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  307 

Burgeon  and  is  only  applicable  to  the  female  quadruped^ 
in  wliicli  extraction  is  usually  easy  and  safe.  A  pair  ol 
long,  round-bladed  tongs  like  a  glove-stretcher  may  be 
used  to  slowly  dilate  the  neck  of  the  bladder,  after  which 
the  warmed  and  oiled  forceps,  the  blades  of  which  sh(Aild 
be  broad  enough  to  cover  the  stone,  are  introduced  and  the 
stone  being  seized  is  slowly  withdrawn  by  gentle  oscillating 
movements.  The  injection  of  a  httle  warm  water  into  an 
empty  bladder  will  gi-eatly  facihtate  the  seizure  of  the 
stone.  The  male  is  operated  on  standing  or  thrown  on 
his  right  side.  A  catheter  is  passed  up  the  urethra  to  the 
point  where  it  bends  forward  over  the  hip  bones  and  an 
incision  about  two  inches  long  made  down  upon  this  in 
the  median  Hne.  If  the  stone  is  small  the  forceps  may 
now  be  introduced  and  the  calculus  withdrawn  as  in  the 
female.  If  too  large  for  this  the  passage  must  be  dilated 
with  a  probe-pointed  knife,  guided  by  a  grooved  dii'ector 
or  the  index  finger,  the  incision  being  carried  obhquely 
between  the  point  of  the  hip-bone  and  the  anus.  The 
stone  once  removed  the  opening  may  be  stitched  up  and 
treated  hke  any  ordinary  wound.  In  the  ox  a  catheter 
should  be  passed  as  a  guide  in  cutting,  as  the  thickness  of 
the  erectile  tissue  over  the  arch  of  the  hip  bone  and  the 
small  size  of  the  urethra  render  the  operation  far  more 
difficult  than  in  the  horse.  (For  further  particulars  see 
the  author's  larger  work). 

Urethral  Calcidi  Stone  in  the  canal  by  which  urine  is 
discharged  fi-om  the  bladder.  In  horses  these  are  found 
in  the  terminal  end  of  the  urethra  and  its  papillge  on  the 
glans  penis.  In  the  bull  and  ox  in  the  S-shaped  bend  of 
tlie  penis  just  above  the  scrotum,  and  in  the  ram  in  the 
same  situation  or,  more  frequently,  in  the  vermiform  ap- 
pendix at  the  point  of  the  penis.  In  horses  the  straining 
is  violent  and  constant,  in  cattle  and  sheep  it  is  little 
marked,  but  the  tail  is  shghtly  raised  and  the  accelerator 
urinae  muscle  is  seen  contracting  just  beneath  the  anus  as 
in  ordinary  urination.     Examination  along  tlie  course  ci 


308  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

the  urethra  will  detect  one  or  more  hard  nodular  enlarge- 
ments at  the  S-shaped  curve  or  elsewhere.  If  more  than 
one  are  present,  they  may  be  made  to  grate  on  each  other. 
-  Treatment  If  in  the  papilla  or  vermiform  appendix, 
try  to  extract  by  manipulation.  Should  this  fail,  sHt  open 
the  duct,  or  in  the  ram  cut  off  the  appendix.  If  higher 
up  it  must  be  cut  down  upon,  through  the  skin,  and  ex- 
tracted. In  cattle  it  is  desirable  to  first  puU  the  penis 
backward  or  forward  so  that  the  incision  may  clear  the 
scrotum  with  its  excess  of  areolar  tissue  and  fat. 

PREPUTIAL  CALCULI.      STONES  IN  THE  PREPUCE  OR  SHEATH. 

In  oxen  and  sheep  urinary  salts  often  crystallize  out  on 
the  hairs  and  may  even  block  the  passage  somewhat.  They 
are  easily  removed  by  manipulation  or  with  scissors.  The 
accumulations  of  sebaceous  matter,  in  the  bilocular  cavity 
on  the  end  of  the  penis  or  in  the  sheath  of  the  horse,  some- 
times receive  this  name.  They  are  best  removed  by 
thorough  washing  with  soap  and  warm  water,  and  the 
parts  may  then  be  lubricated  with  sweet-oil. 

SAND-LIKE  DEPOSIT  OR  SOFT  MAGMA  IN  THE  BLADDER. 

This  is  frequent  in  the  horse,  the  spherical  granules  of 
carbonate  of  lime  and  magnesia  remaining  apart  instead 
of  becoming  agglutinated  into  a  stone.  Its  mildest  form 
is  shown  in  the  passage  of  a  white  matter  at  the  comple- 
tion of  the  act  of  urination.  When  accumulated  so  as  to 
fiU  half  of  the  bladder  or  more,  this  comes  away  in  large 
amount  and  is  found  within  the  sheath  and  on  the  inner 
ciides  of  the  thighs,  for  the  urine  escapes  involuntarily  and 
continuously. 

Treatment  Wash  out  the  bladder  by  pumping  water 
through  a  catheter  by  means  of  Keed's  stomach  pump  or 
a  syringe,  then  shake  it  up  with  the  hand  introduced 
through  the  rectum  and  allow  the  muddy  liquid  to  flow 
out  through  the  catheter.  Repeat  this  until  the  bladder  is 
emptied  and  the  water  comes  away  clear. 


Diseases  of  the  Urinary  Organs.  309 


Prevention.  The  next  point  is  to  prevent  its  forming 
anew  by  measures  calculated  to  obviate  urinary  calculi  in 
general.  Correct  any  fault  in  feeding— excess  of  beans, 
peas,  bran,  etc.,— and  any  disorder  in  the  Hver  functions* 
Give  abundance  of  soft  water,  encouraging  its  ingestion  by 
a  fair  supply  of  salt,  let  the  food  be  aqueous,  consisting 
largely  of  roots,  especiaUy  carrots,  and  give  daily  in  the 
'ii-mking  water  1  dr.  caustic  soda  or  potassa,  or  common 
ashes  from  hard  wood.  A  course  of  bitters  should  also  be 
given  (cascarilla,  columba,  willow  bark,  gentian,  cmassia. 
or  others).  *         ^ 


CHAPTER  XIII. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  OEGAiTS  OF  GENEBATION. 

General  causes.  Inflammation  of  the  testicle.  Dropsy  of  the  scrotum, 
Hydrocele.  Water  stones.  Tumors  of  the  sheath.  Disease  of  the  penis. 
Ulcers  of  the  penis.  Castration  of  males.  Evil  results  of  castration. 
Strangulated  cord.  Swelling  of  the  sheath.  Phymosis.  Paraphymosis. 
Tumor  on  the  spermatic  cord.  Castration  of  females.  Castration  of  male 
birds.  Abortion.  Difficult  parturition.  Premature  labor  pains.  Induration 
of  the  neck  of  the  womb.  Twisting  of  the  neck  of  the  womb.  Polypus  in 
the  vagina.  Wrong  presentations,  deformities,  etc.  Maxims  for  assisting  in 
difficult  parturition.  Anterior  presentation  with  head  or  fore  limb  turned 
back.  Posterior  presentation  with  one  or  both  hind  limbs  turned  back. 
With  water  in  the  head  or  abdomen.  Disorders  following  parturition. 
Flooding.  Retained  afterbirth.  Leucorrhoea,  catarrh  of  the  womb  or  va- 
gina. Eversion  of  the  womb  or  vagina.  Inflammation  of  the  womb,  Metri- 
tis.    Parturition  fever,  milk  fever,  parturient  apoplexy. 

Are  mostly  confined  to  breeding  and  dairying  districts. 
They  are  largely  obviated  by  castration  and  the  virgin 
condition.  Amongst  the  principal  causes  may  be  men- 
tioned mechanical  injuries,  excitement  and  irritation  ac- 
companying coition,  gestation,  parturition,  over-ofiicious 
or  ill-directed  assistance  m  dehvery,  a  very  rich  or  poor 
diet,  tuberculosis,  poisons,  (ergot,  savin,  rue,  cantharides, 
etc.,)  sympathetic  irritation  from  excessive  milking,  fi'om 
disease  or  injury  of  the  mammary  glands,  of  the  urinary 
organs  or  of  the  rectum. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TESTICLE. 

Occurs  mainly  from  external  injury,  though  it  may  be 
roused  by  excessive  copulation,  or  by  glanderous  deposit 
or  other  diseased  process  in  the  organ.     The  animal  moves 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.        311 


stiffly  and  with  a  straddling  gait,  and  the  testicle  is  en- 
larged, tender  and  frequently  drawn  up  and  dropped  down 
again.  It  is  to  be  treated  with  a  dose  of  purgative  medi- 
cine, restricted  soft  diet,  fomentations  with  warm  water, 
and  smearing  of  the  bag  in  the  intervals  with  extract  of 
belladonna,  laudanum  or  some  other  anodyne.  Should 
fluctuation  announce  the  formation  of  pus,  make  an  open- 
ing with  a  sharp  knife  to  evacuate  it,  while  if  destruction 
of  the  gland  is  threatened  castration  must  be  performed. 

HYDROCELE.      DROPSY  OF  THE  SCROTUM. 

Usually  associated  with  water  in  the  abdomen.  Distin- 
guished from  scrotal  hernia  by  not  passmg  back  with  a 
sudden  movement  but  with  a  steady  current  and  gradual 
diminution.     The  same  treatment  is  needed  as  in  ascites. 

WATER  STONES. 

In  geldings  a  considerable  accumulation  of  water  often 
takes  place  in  multilocular  cavities  connected  with  the 
still  pervious  inguinal  canal,  which  may  be  emptied  by 
compression,  the  water  returning  to  the  abdomen  with  a 
continued  thrill.  They  often  disappear  in  winter  to  reap- 
pear the  following  summer.  Though  not  injurious  they 
may  be  removed  by  cuttmg  down  on  the  cavities  and 
dissecting  out  the  sacs. 

TUMORS  or  THE  SHEATH. 

These  are  easily  removed  by  twisting  them  off.  Some, 
however,  bleed  freely  and  these  should  have  a  stout  waxed 
twine  tied  firmly  round  their  necks  and  be  then  twisted 
or  allowed  to  drop  off.  If  bleeding  occurs  after  removal 
seize  the  bleeding  orifice  with  forceps  and  tie  with  a  waxed 
thread. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  PENIS. 

Small  warty  growths  may  be  cut  off  with  scissors  or 
knife  and  the  part  cauterized  with  lunar  caustic.     The 


312  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

soft  condylomatoiis  growths  which  occur  in  dogs  may  be 
treated  in  the  same  way.  But  when  the  large  cauliflower- 
like masses  are  associated  with  hardening  of  the  whole 
end  of  the  organ,  it  must  be  amputated  behind  the  indu- 
rated portion.  The  subject  should  be  prepared  by  laxa- 
tive diet,  and,  having  been  thrown,  the  yard  is  withdraTVTi, 
washed,  and  cut  through  gradually,  beginning  at  its  upper 
part  and  tying  the  arteries  as  they  are  reached.  On 
reaching  the  urethra  at  the  lower  part  of  the  yard  it  is  to 
be  dissected  out,  and  cut  across  so  as  to  leave  it  f  of  an 
inch  longer  than  the  rest.  Considerable  bleeding  fi'om 
the  venous  cavities  may  come  on  a  few  hours  later,  and 
especially  in  hot  weather,  but  may  be  easily  controlled  by 
dashiQg  cold  water  between  the  thighs  or  stuffing  the 
sheath  with  tow  saturated  with  thicture  of  matico  or  muri- 
ate of  iron. 

ULCERS  OF  THE  PENIS. 

These  may  arise  from  accumulation  of  sebaceous  matter 
but  more  frequently  from  the  irritant  discharges  in  a 
female  recently  dehvered  or  sufferiag  from  leucorrhoea. 
They  may  be  treated  with  a  lotion  such  as  the  following  : 
— sugar  of  lead,  1  dr. ;  carboKc  acid,  60  drops ;  chloral- 
hydrate,  1  dr. ;  water,  1  pint. 

CASTRATION  OF  MALES. 

Numerous  modes  of  castrating  the  male  are  followed, 
but  in  all  the  essential  points  are  the  removal  or  destruc- 
tion of  the  testicles  and  the  prevention  of  bleeding  from 
the  spermatic  artery  which  is  always  found  in  the  ante- 
rior portion  of  the  cord.  In  small  animals  (pigs,  lambs, 
calves,  dogs,  cats,)  the  testicle  is  seized  so  as  to  render 
the  skin  tense,  and  a  free  incision  with  knife  parallel  to 
the  median  Hne  sets  it  free  at  once.  The  knife  is  now 
passed  between  the  middle  and  posterior  parts  of  the  cord 
and  the  latter  cut  through.  The  anterior  portion  is  then 
twisted  and  finally  torn  through,  the  upper  part  being 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation         313 


held  by  the  finger  and  thumb  of  one  hand  while  traction 
is  made  by  the  other.  In  the  colt  and  old  horses  and 
bulls  the  structures  are  so  tough  that  the  cord  must 
be  seized  by  two  pairs  of  pincers  in  order  to  accomplish 
satisfactoiy  twisting. 

Clamps  (sticks)  are  very  generally  employed  h\  horses, 
the  important  considerations  being  that  the  wood  shall  be 
tough  and  unyieldmg,  that  they  shall  be  grooved  to  give 
greater  security  of  hold,  that  they  shall  be  tied  together 
with  well  twmed  inelastic  cords,  and  that  when  applied 
they^  shall  be  squeezed  together  with  pinceis,  while  the 
end  is  being  tied,  that  the  included  tissues  may  have  their 
vitality  destroyed. 

The  other  methods  of  tying,  searmg  and  scraping  the 
artery,  etc.,  cannot  be  described  here,  though  one  plan 
will  succeed  as  well  as  another  if  properly  done.  For 
these  and  castration  of  cryjptorchids  (originals,  rigs,)  bee 
larger  work. 

EVIL  RESULTS  OF  CASTRATION. 

Strangulated  Cord.  When  the  cord  is  left  unduly 
long  and  the  wound  in  the  skin  small,  it  may  be  strangled 
by  the  swelling  and  contraction,  giving  rise  to  intense 
suffering  and  high  fever.  The  beast  walks  with  a  stiff 
gait,  and  the  end  of  the  cord  is  felt  red  and  tense,  protrad- 
ing  from  the  wound  which  gi-asps  it  tightly.  All  that  is 
necessary  is  to  enlarge  the  orifice  with  a  knife  and  push 
up  the  cord  to  give  permanent  relief. 

Swelling  of  the  Sheath  may  occur,  and  especially  in 
the  young,  from  unhealthy  states  of  the  system,  or  from 
premature  closure  of  the  wound  and  unprisonment  of  mat- 
ter. In  all  such  cases  reopen  the  wound  with  the  fingers 
and  apply  fi^esh  lard  to  prevent  a  second  adliesion.  It  is 
a  good  plan  to  apply  lard  to  the  wounds  in  castrating  to 
obviate  adhesion.  Next  foment  the  parts  continually  with 
warm  water  to  hasten  the  formation  of  matter.     "When  a 


314  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


free  cream-like  cliscliarge  is  established  tlie  swelling  will 
rapidly  subside. 

Phymosis  and  Paraphymosis.  In  such  cases  the  penia 
may  be  imprisoned  within  the  sheath  or  protruded  and 
swollen  so  that  it  cannot  be  mthdrawn.  It  may  be  nec- 
essary to  incise  the  sheath  or  scarify  the  penis  and  ap- 
ply cold  water  and  other  astringents,  with  manipulation  to 
return  the  protruded  organ. 

Tumors  on  the  Spermatic  Cord.  This  results  from 
rough  handling  in  castrating,  from  strangulation,  or  from 
inflammation  consequent  on  the  presence  of  iiTitants  in  the 
wound  or  exposure  to  cold.  It  may  grow  for  years  with- 
out disabling  the  animal ;  its  growth  may  cease,  leaving  an 
inconsiderable  thickening  on  the  cord ;  it  may  acquire  the 
size  of  a  large  udder  of  a  cow,  and  contract  numerous 
vascular  adhesions  to  surrounding  parts  ;  or  it  may  extend 
up  through  the  inguinal  canal  into  the  abdomen,  as  felt 
on  examination  through  the  rectum. 

Treatment.  Those  confined  to  the  end  ol  tne  cord  may 
be  removed  Like  the  testicle  in  castration.  Those  that 
have  contracted  adhesions  to  the  thigh  and  sheath  may 
still  be  removed  with  care,  each  vessel  being  tied  as  it  is 
reached.  But  when  the  adhesions  are  very  extensive  and 
the  tumor  very  large  it  is  almost  impossible  to  do  this, 
and  in  the  case  of  extension  of  the  disease  into  the  abdo- 
men nothing  can  be  done  beyond  partial  destruction  of  the 
mass  with  caustics. 

castration  of  females. 

In  small  animals  this  is  done  through  the  flank ;  in  large, 
more  conveniently  through  the  vagina.  The  animal  is 
stretched  on  its  left  side,  the  fore  Hmbs  and  head  being 
firmly  secured  and  the  hind  limbs  extended  backwards. 
The  hair  is  shaved  from  the  flank  a  little  below  the  angle 
of  the  hip-bone,  and  an  incision  made  from  above  down, 
extending  to  an  inch  in  the  pig  or  bitch,  or  sufficient  to  in- 
troduce the  hand  in  the  heifer.      Then  with  the  finger  or 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generatimi.        315 


hand,  as  the  case  may  be,  the  womb  is  sought,  backward 
at  the  entrance  of  the  pelvis  in  the  interval  between  the 
bladder  and  the  straight  gut.  Being  found,  one  horn  07 
division  is  drawn  up  through  the  wound  until  its  end  is 
exposed  with  the  round  mass  of  the  ovary  adjacent.  The  lat- 
ter is  seized  and  cut  or  twisted  off  according  to  the  size  of 
the  animal.  Then  the  next  horn  and  ovary  are  brought 
out  and^  treated  in  the  same  way.  The  womb  is  now  re- 
turned into  the  abdomen,  and  the  skin  accurately  sewed 
up.  Evil  results  are  rare,  though  peritonitis  may  ensue 
from  rough  handling  or  exposure,  and  abscess  or  calcifica- 
tion of  the  wound  is  not  unknown. 

Cows  are  castrated  by  maldng  an  incision  through  the 
superior  wall  of  the  vagina  just  above  the  neck  of  the 
womb,  and  inserting  two  fingers,  by  which  the  ovaries  are 
withdrawn  and  twisted  off  with  a  torsion  instrument. 
Space  will  not  allow  of  a  fullei  description  in  this  work. 

CASTRATION  OF  MALE  BIRDS. 

The  bird  is  placed  on  its  back  with  the  left  leg  pressed 
against  the  abdomen  and  the  right  one  stretched  back- 
wards and  outward,  an  incision  is  made  inside  this  thigh 
large  enough  to  admit  the  finger,  which  is  directed  toward 
the  back  at  the  point  of  union  of  the  last  ribs  with  the 
backbone.  There  the  testicles  are  felt  in  contact  with 
each  other  and  are  separately  detached  mth  the  nail  and 
extracted  through  the  wound.  If  lost  in  the  abdomen 
after  detachment  there  is  no  matter,  they  will  adhere  to 
the  peritoneum  and  become  absorbed.  Lastly  the  wound 
in  the  skin  is  carefully  sewed  up  with  a  fine  thread. 

ABORTION. 

^  This  consists  of  the  expulsion  of  the  foetus  before  it  can 
live  out  of  the  womb,  but  in  the  lower  animals  the  term 
has  been  indiscriminately  used  for  cases  of  premature 
parturition  as  well. 

C  Hws.     Blows  or  pressure  on  the  abdomen,  slijis,  falls. 


316  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

riding  of  animals  in  heat,  diseases  of  the  abdominal  organs, 
(tympanitis  from  wet,  frosted  or  musty  fodder,  inflamma- 
tion of  the  bowels,  diarrhoea,  poisoning  by  irritants  taken 
with  the  food  or  otherwise,  renal  calculi  or  other  diseases 
of  the  kidneys  or  bladder,)  stalls  too  much  inclined  back- 
ward, overfeeding,  plethora,  hot,  damp,  relaxing  stables, 
severe  muscular  exertion  after  long  rest,  exhausting  feed- 
ing for  milk  at  the  expense  of  the  system,  breeding  at  too 
early  an  age,  proximity  to  or  contact  with  slaughter-houses 
or  dead  and  decomposing  animal  matter,  especially  the 
abortion  discharges  of  other  animals,  drinking  putrid 
or  iced  water,  disease,  deformity  or  death  of  the  foetus, 
feeding  on  ergoted  grasses  or  smutty  wheat  or  com,  and, 
finally,  the  presence  in  the  j^assages  of  a  microscopic  veg- 
etable parasite  (leptothrix  vaginaHs)  which  is  easily  trans- 
ferred fi'om  one  animal  to  another  so  as  to  procure  abor- 
tion. 

Symptoms.  In  the  early  stages  of  gestation  abortion 
often  takes  place  without  any  warning  and  is  only  ascer- 
tained by  the  animal  again  coming  in  heat.  Later  the 
preliminary  signs  and  progress  may  be  those  of  an  ordi- 
nary parturition,  or  in  other  cases  a  whitish  muco-purulent 
discharge  may  take  place  from  the  vulva  for  some  time 
before  abortion  occurs.  A  filling  of  the  udder  and  a  loose, 
flaccid  condition  of  the  external  generative  organs  often 
furnish  premonitions. 

Prevention.  Treatment.  Avoid  the  various  causes  above 
named  when  found  to  exist.  Especially  should  attention 
be  given  to  secure  a  diet  and  regimen  which  shall  obviate  in- 
digestion, to  eradicate  from  the  hay -fields  all  irritant  plants, 
to  feed  a  certain  amount  of  roots  in  winter  to  obviate  urin- 
nary  calculi,  to  cut  meadows  subject  to  ergot  before  they 
run  to  seed,  or  better  still  to  plow  them  up  and  put  under 
a  rotation  of  other  crops,  to  feed  roots  with  ergoted  hay  or 
smutty  corn  if  these  must  be  consumed,  to  let  the  system 
be  somewhat  developed  before  breeding  and  not  to  milk 
too  heavily  the  first  year,  to  give  pure  air  and  water 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.        317 

and  wholesome  buildings,  and,  finally,  to  use  anti-septics 
on  the  discharges  and  to  keep  all  sound  animals  apart 
from  the  diseased  or  their  products.  A  beast  abort- 
ing, from  whatever  cause,  should  be  allowed  to  run  over 
several  periods  of  heat  before  she  is  served  again.  When 
abortions  have  broken  out  in  a  herd  good  results  have  fol- 
lowed a  course  of  chlorate  of  potassa  in  ^  oz.  doses  daily. 
When  the  beasts  are  plethoric  benefit  has  been  derived 
from  bleeding  or  a  bare  diet  with  occasional  mild  laxatives. 
When  run  down  by  poor  feeding  or  by  early  breeding  and 
feeding  for"  milk,  a  course  of  tonics  (phosphate  of  soda, 
sulphate  of  iron,  gentian  and  ginger,)  has  proved  beneficial. 
When  the  discharge  and  other  premonitory  symptoms  ap- 
pear laudanum  may  be  given  in  large  and  repeated  doses 
to  quiet  the  system  and  keep  the  tendency  in  check. 
Quiet  and  seclusion  are  no  less  essential.  When  the 
abortion  becomes  inevitable  it  must  be  allowed  to  proceed 
or  assistance  given  if  necessary  as  in  parturition. 

DirnCULT  PAKTURITION. 

Parturition  is  easy  in  most  of  the  lower  animals,  the 
wedge-like  outline  of  the  foetus  when  normally  presented 
with  the  long  head  extended  between  the  fore  limbs  ren- 
dering it  an  affair  of  mechanical  simphcity.  The  same  is 
true  of  the  presentation  of  the  two,  hind  feet.  If  left  to 
nature  the  passages  are  prepared  by  the  relaxation  of  tlio 
ligaments  of  the  pelvis  and  falling  in  on  each  side  of  the 
croup ;  they  are  then  gently  and  equably  dilated  by  the 
advancing  soft  and  elastic  water-bags;  and  then  if  the 
back  of  the  foetus  is  turned  toward  the  back  of  the  mother 
so  that  the  curvature  of  its  body  may  correspond  to  that 
of  the  pelvis,  the  process  is  rarely  difficult  or  prptracted. 

Danger  arises  mainly  from  parturition  being  precipir 
tated  before  its  natural  period,  from  unnatural  conditions 
of  the  passages,  fi-om  distortions  of  the  foetus  or  from  turn- 
ing back  of  one  or  more  members  so  as  to  impair  the  reg- 
ularity of  the  wedge  and  to  increase  the  bulk  posteriorly. 


818  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

PBEMATUKE  LABOE-PAINS. 

Caused  by  excitement  of  travel,  goring  or  riding  by  tlieii 
fellows,  blows  and  other  mechanical  injuries,  violent  pur- 
gation or  diuresis,  diseases  of  the  digestive  or  urinaiy  or- 
gans or  womb,  ergoted  grasses,  etc.  If  there  is  no  relax- 
ation of  the  pelvic  ligaments  and  falling  in  at  the  side  oi 
the  iTimp,  no  enlargement  of  the  vulva,  no  dilatation  of  the 
neck  of  the  womb  nor  any  enlargement  of  the  bag,  place 
in  a  secluded  place  and  keep  quiet  by  repeated  doses  of 
opium.  The  pains  will  usually  subside.  Even  if  other- 
wise apparently  prepared  the  closed  neck  of  the  womb 
will  demand  similar  rest  and  anodynes,  though  a  little 
soHd  extract  of  belladonna  may  in  this  case  be  smeared 
round  the  neck  of  the  womb  to  favor  relaxation. 

Indubation  op  the  neck  of  the  womb  is  often  errone- 
ously supposed  to  exist  in  these  cases,  but  such  a  conclu- 
sion need  not  be  reached  until  the  quieting  treatment  has 
been  followed  for  one  or  two  days  without  success  and  the 
neck  of  the  womb  remains  rigid,  nodular  and  gristly. 
Being  fully  convinced  that  the  closure  is  due  to  disease  it 
may  be  dilated  by  passing  in  a  narrow-bladed,  blunt- 
pointed  (probe-pointed)  knife  and  cutting  to  the  depth  of  a 
quarter  of  an  inch  in  four  directions,  upward,  downward, 
to  the  right  and  left.  Then  the  hand  may  be  introduced 
with  fingers  and  thumb  drawn  into  the  form  of  a  cone  and 
the  passage  gradually  dilated.  Or  the  sponge  tents  used 
by  the  physician  may  be  employed. 

Twisting  of  the  neck  of  the  womb  so  that  the  lower 
surface  of  the  organ  comes  to  look  upwards  or  to  one  side, 
is  a  curious  form  of  obstruction  hitherto  only  seen  in  the 
cow.  It  ma}^  be  surmised  when  labor-pains  continue 
without  any  appearance  of  water-bags,  and  conclusive  evi- 
dence is  furnished  by  the  neck  of  the  womb  being  closed 
and  thrown  into  spiral  folds.  Place  the  patient  with  its 
head  uphiU  to  relax  the  twisted  neck  and  introducing 
the  hand  into  the  womb,  seize  the  foetus  and  press  it 
against  the  uterine  walls,  while  one  or  two  men  roll  the 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.        319 

cow  on  its  other  side  in  the  same  direction  in  which  the 
twist  has  taken  place.  If  the  womb  is  not  distended  by 
decomposition  of  a  dead  foetus,  nor  attached  to  adjacent 
parts  by  inflammatory  exudations  the  untwisting  is  easily 
effected,  though  several  successive  attempts  may  be  requisite 
to  secure  it.  Suddenly  constriction  around  the  wrist  gives 
way,  the  water-bags  enter  the  passage  and  delivery  is  easy. 

Polypus  in  the  Yagina.  A  tumor  growing  from  tlie 
walls  of  this  passage  is  another  obstacle  to  parturition.  By 
examination  its  point  of  attachment  is  found,  and  it  should 
be  slovv'ly  twisted  off  or,  better  still,  removed  by  an  ecraseicr, 
an  instrument  with  a  pitch-chain  which  is  gradually  tight- 
ened so  as  to  cut  through  the  parts  without  loss  of  blood. 

Dkopsy  of  Womb  or  Abdomen,  and  Ovekdistended 
Bladder  are  further  obstacles. 

WRONG  presentations,  DEFORMITIES,  ETC. 

Maxims  for  Assisting  in  Difficult  Parturition.  Never 
interfere  too  soon.  Let  the  water-bags  burst  spontaneously 
when  they  have  fulfilled  their  purpose  of  dilating  the  pas- 
sages. If  there  is  no  mechanical  obstacle,  let  the  fa3tus 
be  expelled  by  the  unaided  efforts  of  the  mother.  Never 
insert  the  arm  for  any  pui-pose  without  first  smearing  it  with 
oil  or  fresh  lard.  When  the  water-bags  have  ruptured 
and  the  pains  have  continued  for  some  time  without  any 
presentation,  examine.  When  one  fore  foot  only  and  the 
head,  or  both  fore  feet  without  the  head,  or  the  head  with- 
out the  feet,  or  one  hind  foot  without  the  other  appears, 
examine.  Whatever  part  is  presented  should  be  secured 
by  a  cord,  with  a  running  noose,  before  it  is  pushed  back 
to  search  for  the  others.  In  searching  for  a  missing 
member  the  dam  should  be  placed  with  her  head  down 
hill  and  if  recumbent  should  be  laid  on  the  side  opposite 
to  that  on  which  the  limb  is  missing.  Even  if  the  missing 
member  is  reached  do  not  attempt  to  bring  it  up  during  a 
pain.  Violent  straining  may  be  checked  by  pinching  the 
back.     If  the  passages  have  lost  their  natural  lubricating 


i20  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


mucus,  smear  them  and  the  body  of  the  foetus  thickly  with 
lard  before  attempting  to  extract.  In  dragging  upon  the 
fo2tus  ai>ply  force  only  when  the  mother  strains,  and  pull 
slightly  down  toward  the  hocks  as  well  as  backward.  If 
under  the  necessity  of  cutting  off  a  limb,  first  skin  it  from 
near  the  foot  and  leave  the  skin  attached  to  the  trunk. 
Never  cut  off  a  member  in  the  middle,  but  in  the  case  of 
fore  limb  bring  away  the  shoulder-blade,  or  in  the  hind 
the  thigh-bone. 

Head  or  fore  limb  turned  back.  Secure  the  presenting 
limbs  with  ropes  having  a  running  noose  drawn  tightly 
round  the  fetlock,  or  the  head  with  a  noose  round  the  lower 
jaw,  or  still  better  round  the  neck  behind  the  ears,  then 
pushing  them  back  secure  the  missing  part  and  bring  it  into 
position.  In  searching  for  the  missing  parts  it  is  well  to 
follow  those  abeady  presented.  The  left  arm  will  usually 
answer  best  for  a  limb  at  the  left  side  of  the  womb,  and 
the  right  arm  for  the  right.  Reaching  the  shoulder,  the 
hand  may  be  sHd  down  to  beneath  the  elbow  and  that 
joint  bent  so  as  to  bring  the  knee  up ;  then  the  hand  is 
slipped  past  the  knee  to  the  shank  and  by  a  similar  move- 
ment, pushing  back  the  upper  part  of  the  limb  and  pull- 
ing forward  the  lower,  the  foot  is  brought  up  and  secured 
with  a  noose.  All  are  then  brought  forward  and  delivery 
is  easy.  In  order  to  bring  up  the  missing  part  it  is  often 
needful  that  an  assistant  shall  push  back  the  body  of  the 
foetus  after  the  Hmb  has  been  seized.  The  assistant  may 
stand  with  his  back  to  that  of  the  operator  and  introduce 
his  left  arm  along  by  the  operator's  right  or  vice  versa. 
Or  a  smooth  round  pole  like  a  fork-handle  may  be  intro- 
duced and  planted  in  the  breast  of  the  foetus  as  a  means 
of  pushing  it  back.  In  either  case  the  pressure  should  be 
shghtly  upward  toward  the  back  of  the  foetus  so  as  tc 
bring  up  the  breast  and  fore  limb  toward  the  passage. 
The  missing  head  may  be  turned  back  on  either  side, 
downward  upon  the  breast  or  upward  upon  the  back. 
First  ascertain  its  position,  then  if  it  cannot  be  reached  by 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.         321 

pulling  the  limbs  forward  into  the  passage,  push  back  the 
body  in  such  a  way  as  will  favor  the  advance  of  the  head. 
If  the  ear  is  reached  the  head  may  be  pulled  by  it,  till  the 
socket  of  the  eye  can  be  gained,  and  the  body  being  still 
pushed  back  the  nose  can  soon  be  seized  and  brought  up. 
Often  it  is  necessary  to  insert  a  hook  into  the  eye  socket 
or  betAveen  the  branches  of  the  lower  jaw,  so  that  more 
force  may  be  exerted.  The  ring  in  this  case  should  be 
turned  at  right  angles  to  the  hook,  and  a  cord  passed  from 
the  hook  side  of  the  ring,  to  the  opposite,  and  then  knot- 
ted so  that  the  greater  the  force  applied  the  firmer  it  will 
hold. 

PllESENTATION  OF  ONE  HIND  LIMB  ALONE  is  rCCOgllized  by 

examining  it  as  far  up  as  the  hock,  which  cannot  possibly 
be  mistaken  for  the  knee.  The  same  principles  are  ap- 
plied here.  Noose  the  presenting  limb,  and  pushing  back 
upon  it  and  the  buttocks,  bring  up  first  the  hock  and  then 
the  foot,  bending  all  the  joints  to  their  utmost.  In  the 
cow  success  can  usually  be  counted  on,  but  the  long  hind 
shanks  of  the  foal  often  prove  an  insuperable  obstacle,  and 
it  becomes  needful  to  cut  the  hamstrings  and,  leaving  the 
hock  bent,  to  straighten  out  the  limb  above  this  and 
extract  in  this  position. 

Peesentation  of  the  buttocks  is  to  be  recognized  by 
the  rounded  mass,  with  the  tail  and  beneath  it  the  anus 
and  perhaps  the  vulva.  The  process  of  extraction  does 
not  differ  fi'om  that  last  described,  but  in  very  powerful 
mares  the  pains  may  be  so  violent  and  constant  that  it  is 
impossible  to  bring  up  even  the  hocks,  and  the  limbs  have 
to  be  separated  at  the  hip-joint  and  extracted  separately, 
after  which  the  trunk  will  come  easily. 

Double  heads  and  bodies  and  supeefluous  limbs  have 
to  be  removed  on  the  same  general  principles,  but  space 
forbids  then*  further  notice  here. 

Water  in  the  head  is  often  an  insuperable  barrier  tc 
deHvery,  to  be  easily  recognized  by  manual  examination 
21 


322  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  as  readily  relieved  by  plunging  a  knife  through  the 
membranes  and  evacuating  the  liquid. 

Water  in  the  abdomen  is  equally  frequent  and  to  be 
obviated  in  a  similar  manner. 

disordees  following  parturition. 

Flooding.  Bleeding  from  the  walls  of  the  womb. 
Mostly  after  a  too  hasty  parturition  in  which  the  uterine 
walls  are  exhausted  and  fail  to  contract;  or  when  the 
womb  has  suffered  violence  in  extraction  of  the  foetus. 

Symptoms.  Bloodless  pallor  of  the  mucous  membranes, 
coldness  of  the  surface,  weakness,  weak  pulse,  with  or 
without  palpitation  of  the  heart  and  discharge  of  blood 
from  the  vulva.  The  hand  introduced  into  the  womb 
finds  that  organ  soft,  flaccid,  dilated  and  filled  with  liquid 
or  clotted  blood. 

Treatment.  Apply  cold  water  or  bags  of  ice  to  the  loins 
and  external  genital  organs,  remove  the  afterbirth  and 
clots  with  the  hand  and,  if  necessary,  inject  cold  water, 
acids  (vinegar,  dilute  mineral  acids,)  astringents  (sugar  of 
lead,  tannin,  matico,  alum,)  iuto  the  womb,  and  give  small 
doses  of  acetate  of  lead  or  ergot  of  rye  by  the  mouth.  In 
desperate  cases  a  large  sponge  soaked  in  tincture  of  the 
muriate  of  iron  may  be  introduced  into  the  womb  and 
emptied  by  squeezing.  If  the  patient  is  sinking  it  may 
often  be  saved  by  transfusion  of  blood  fi'om  another 
animal. 

Eetaint:d  Afterbirth.  Causes.  Premature  parturition, 
poverty  of  condition,  too  hurried  deb  very  and  failure  to 
establish  subsequent  contractions,  adhesions,  the  result  of 
pre-existing  inflammation  in  the  womb,  etc. 

If  not  removed  it  rots  away  piecemeal,  a  portion  remain- 
ing and  putrefying  in  the  womb,  causing  irritation,  dis- 
charge, rapid  loss  of  condition  and  milk  and  iu  some  cases 
absorption  of  putrid  matter  and  poisoning. 

Treatment.  Various  methods  are  followed.  1.  Attach 
a  pound  weight  to  the  mass,  so  that  the  constant  tugging 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.        323 


may  stimulate  the  womb  to  contraction  and  expulsion  oi 
the  afterbirth.  2.  Seize  the  mass  close  up  to  the  vulva 
between  two  pieces  of  wood  and  dragging  gently  move  it 
from  side  to  side  to  titillate  the  passages  and  stimulate  the 
womb  to  contraction.  3.  Give  a  dose  of  physic  (Glauber 
or  Epsom  salts)  with  aromatics  (ginger,  pepper,  copaiva. 
cardamoms,  caraway,  etc.)  4.  The  most  satisfactory 
method  is  to  remove  it  by  the  hand,  in  twelve  to  twenty- 
four  hours  after  parturition,  before  the  neck  of  the  womb 
has  closed  so  as  to  forbid  the  introduction  of  the  arm.  In 
cows  the  protruding  membranes  are  gently  pulled  upon  by 
the  left  hand  while  the  right  is  mtroduced  into  the  womb 
and  the  connecting  cotyledons  or  placentul^e  of  the  mem- 
branes are,  one  by  one,  squeezed  out  from  then-  connec- 
tions with  those  of  the  womb.  The  process  may  be  slow, 
as  fifty  such  connections  may  demand  separation,  but 
patience  will  be  crowned  with  final  success,  the  great 
points  being  to  tear  nothing  and  to  bring  up  and  separate 
the  last  portions  as  perfectly  as  the  first. 

PreveMtion.  In  poverty-stricken  animals  much  may 
often  be  done  by  warm  sloppy  food  for  a  week  or  two 
prior  to  parturition. 

Leucorrhcea.  Catarrh  of  the  Womb  or  Yagina.  This 
often  results  from  retained  afterbirth  or  violence  done  in 
parturition,  but  may  occur  independently  of  both  or  even 
in  the  virgm  animal.  There  is  a  whitish  discharge  from 
the  vulva,  foetid  if  fi-om  retained  afterbirth,  with  rapid 
falling  off  in  flesh  and  milk,  in  spirit  and  appetite.  The 
subjects  can  rarely  be  impregnated. 

Treatment.  Introduce  a  catheter  into  the  womb,  draw 
off  the  contained  fluid,  wash  out  with  tepid  water  intro- 
duced through  the  tube,  and  inject  one  of  the  foUowing 
solutions :  1  drachm  of  sulphate  of  zinc,  sulphate  of  cop- 
per, acetate  of  lead,  permanganate  of  potassa  or  carboKc 
acid,  or  ^  drachm  chloride  of  zinc,  dissolved  in  a  pint  of 
water  and  five  ounces  of  glycerine  added.  This  injection 
should  be  repeated  daily  until  the  discharge  ceases.     A 


324 


The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


Fig.  39. 


course  of  tonics  should  accompany  this  treatment  (sul- 
phate of  iron  2  drachms,  pepper  1  drachm,  ginger  \ 
oz.,  gentian  ^  oz.  daily. 

EvERSiON  OF  THE  Yagina  OR  WoAEB.  The  former  may  oc- 
cur before  parturition  or  even  in  the  virgin  state,  the  lat- 
ter only  after  parturition.  Hot,  relaxing  stables  and  regi- 
men and  too  great  a  slope  of  the  stalls  backward  are  among 
the  causes  of  the  first,  violence  in  parturition  or  in  the 
removal  of  the  afterbirth,  of  the  second.  Digestive  and 
urinary  disorders  are  further  causes.  The  everted  vagina 
forms  a  simple  rounded  mass   easily  distinguished  from 

the  bladder  by  the  absence  of 
the  ureters,  and  from  the  womb 
by  that  of  the  two  divisions  or 
horns,  and  in  the  case  of  rumi- 
nants by  the  cotyledons.  Treat- 
ment  is  simple :  Adjust  the  slope 
of  the  stall,  making  the  hinder 
part  the  higher ;  obviate  costive- 
ness,  diarrhoea  or  any  other 
source  of  irritation ;  and  adjust 
a  rope  truss  as  follows:  Take 
two  ropes,  each  more  than 
double  the  length  of  the  animal, 
bend  each  double  and  intertwist 
them  at  this  bend  so  as  to  cir- 
cumscribe an  oval  opening  a 
little  lare^er  than  that  of  the  vulva ;  this  havino^  been  ad- 
justed  to  this  orifice  the  two  upper  ends  are  carried 
around  the  rump,  crossed  over  each  other  repeatedly  in 
their  passage  along  the  back  and  finally  tied  to  a  collar 


Fig.  39 — Rope  truss  for  everted 
womb. 


previously  placed  around  the  neck ;  the  lower  ends  are 
carried  down  between  the  thighs,  one  on  each  side  of  the 
udder,  and  forward  on  the  sides  of  the  abdomen  and  chest 
to  be  fixed  to  the  collar.  It  may  be  made  as  tight  as 
seems  necessary  and  will  tighten  with  every  effort  at  strain- 
ing so  that  eversion  becomes  impossible.     It  may  be  made 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.        325 

more  secure  by  attaching  the  ropes  to  a  surcingle  as  well. 
This  truss  must  of  course  be  removed  when  true  labor- 
pains  come  on. 

In  eversion  of  the  womb  give  a  full  dose  of  chloral, 
raise  the  hind  parts,  place  the  womb  on  a  sheet,  wash  it 
with  warm  water  and  laudanum,  wrap  it  tightly  in  a  linen 
bandage,  beginning  at  the  free  end,  then  press  that  free 
end  inward  and  so  with  the  successive  parts  till  the  whole 
has  been  introduced  into  the  abdomen.  Remove  the  loos- 
ened bandage  and  apply  the  truss. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  WOMB. 

Causes.  Lacerations,  bmises  and  other  injuries  in  par- 
turition or  in  removal  of  the  afterbirth,  exposure  to  cold 
or  wet  after  parturition,  retained  afterbirth,  etc. 

Symptoms.  Two  or  three  days  after  parturition  a  shiv- 
ering fit,  colicky  pains,  looking  at  abdomen,  plaintive  cries, 
twisting  of  the  tail,  shifting  of  the  hind  feet,  tenderness  of 
loins  and  abdomen,  arching  oi  the  loins,  vulva  red  and 
swollen,  frequent  straining  with  foetid  discharge,  the  hand 
introduced  into  the  womb  finds  both  its  neck  and  body 
dilated  with  fluid  contents,  the  belly  becomes  tense  and 
swollen,  there  is  grinding  of  the  teeth,  insatiable  thirst 
and  loss  of  power  over  the  limbs.  The  pulse  and  respira- 
tion are  accelerated  and  the  temperature  of  the  body 
raised.  It  may  end  in  poisoning  of  the  blood  with  pus  or 
absorbed  putrid  matters,  or  in  gangrene,  or  if  recovery  en- 
sues it  may  be  perfected  in  two  or  three  weeks.  Peritoni- 
tis and  enteritis  frequently  coexist  and  are  equally  fatal 
at  this  period. 

Treatment.  Wash  out  the  womb,  as  in  leucorrhoea,  with 
chlorine  water  or  a  solution  of  chloride  of  lime,  perman- 
ganate of  potassa  or  carbolic  acid,  adding  a  solution  of 
gum  Arabic,  glycerine  and  laudanum  to  render  it  more 
soothing.  Give  an  active  purgative  (in  the  cow  sulphate 
of  soda  1  lb.)  and  follow  this  up  by  tincture  of  aconite  foul 
times  a  day,  and  nitrate  of  potassa  and  chlorate  of  potassa 


820  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

once  daily..  A  blister  should  be  applied  to  tlie  right  flank 
(mustard  and  oil  of  turpentine  in  cow  or  sow,  mustard 
alone  for  other  animals).  In  case  of  prostration,  wedk 
pulse,  stupor,  etc.,  a  free  use  of  wine,  quinine,  camphor 
and  general  stimulants  must  be  made,  with  antiseptics 
(chlorate  of  potassa,  carbolic  acid,  sulpho-carbolates  or 
bichromate  of  potassa). 

PARTURITION-FEVER  IN  COWS.      MTLK-FEVER.      PARTURIENT 
APOPLEXY. 

Causes.  Plethora,  costiveness  and  the  susceptibility  at- 
tendant on  parturition.  It  attacks  mainly  heavy  milkers, 
animals  in  full  flesh  that  have  been  weU  fed  just  before 
and  after  calving,  and  have  been  delivered  easily  with 
little  loss  of  blood  or  nervous  expenditure.  It  is  most 
frequent  in  the  hot  season  when  the  grass  is  most  luxuri- 
ant and  nutritive,  but  may  occur  at  any  season  in  the  best 
class  of  cows. 

Sijmptoms,  Dullness,  languor,  uneasy  movements  of 
the  hind  limbs,  a  full,  bounding  pulse,  red  eyes,  hot  head 
and  horns  ;  soon  the  cow  becomes  weak  on  its  limbs,  un- 
able to  rise,  lays  the  head  back  on  the  flank  or  dashes  it 
on  the  ground,  breaking  the  horns  if  the  surface  is  hard, 
and  struggles  convulsively  with  its  limbs.  The  surface 
may  now  be  bedewed  with  perspiration,  the  eyes  red, 
fixed  or  rolling  convulsively,  the  pupils  dilated,  the  heat 
of  the  head  still  greater  and  the  pulse  quicker  and  weaker. 
Sensation  is  completely  lost,  the  skin  may  be  pricked  at 
any  point  without  the  slightest  response  and  the  eyeball 
touched  without  causing  winking.  Neither  dung  nor  urine 
is  passed,  the  intestines  and  bladder  being  also  the  seat 
of  paralysis  or  torpor. 

In  one  form  of  the  disease  the  heat  of  the  head,  deHr- 
ium  and  violence  may  be  almost  entirely  wanting,  the 
prominent  symptoms  being  the  fever,  accelerated  pulse 
and  breathmg,  elevated  temperature,  loss  of  power  over 
the  limbs,  paralysis  of  sensation,  inappetence,  torpor  of 


Diseases  of  the  Organs  of  Generation.        327 

bowels  and  bladder.  Both  forms  are  exceeding^  fatal, 
almost  all  attacked  within  two  days  after  calving  perish- 
ing, and  a  large  proportion  of  those  taken  ill  during  the 
first  week. 

Prevention.  Spa»e  diet  (starvation  in  the  plethoric)  foi 
a  week  before  and  after  calving,  an  active  purgative  (Ep- 
som salts)  to  act  as  soon  after  calving  as  possible,  plenty 
of  fresh,  cool  air,  milking,  if  necessary,  before  calving  and 
thrice  daily  after.  In  the  full  flush  of  grass  it  is  needful 
to  keep  plethoric  parturient  subjects  in-doors,  upon  dry 
hay  with  plenty  of  salt  and  water,  or  on  a  very  bare  past- 
ure. Even  if  attacked  a  week  after  calving  they  usually 
recover. 

Treatment.  If  the  animal  is  seen  before  it  goes  down, 
bleed  four  or  six  quarts  from  the  jugular,  but  never  after 
the  pulse  has  lost  its  fullness  and  hardness;  apply  ice- 
cold  water,  bags  of  ice  or  a  solution  of  an  ounce  each  of 
nitre  and  sal  ammoniac  in  a  quart  of  water  to  the  head 
round  the  base  of  the  horns,  give  a  powerful  purgative, 
(2  lbs.  Epsom  salts,  -J-  oz.  carbonate  of  ammonia,  ^  dr. 
nux  vomica,)  apply  friction  to  the  limbs,  draw  the  milk  off 
at  frequent  intervals  and  repeat  the  ammonia  and  nux 
vomica  every  four  hours.  The  nux  vomica  may  be  re- 
placed by  strychnia,  1  grain  with  2  or  three  drops  of  vin- 
egar in  a  teaspoonful  of  water  and  injected  under  the  skin 
twice  with  four  hours  interval,  or  ergot  of  rye  may  be  used 
instead.  The  fever  may  often  be  materially  reduced  by 
enveloping  the  whole  body  in  a  sheet  wrung  out  of  cold 
water,  and  covering  up  with  one  or  several  dry  ones  ac- 
cording to  the  season. 

In  the  second  or  torpid  form  of  the  disorder  there  is 
often  no  call  for  cold  applications  to  the  head,  while  pur- 
gatives and  nux  vomica  are  especially  demanded. 


CHAPTER   XIV. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  MAMM^  (13  ODER)  AND 
TEATS. 

Bloody-milk.  Blue  or  viscid  milk.  Congestion  and  inflammation  of  th< 
mammary  glands,  Garget,  Mammitis.  Impervious  teat.  Sore  teats,  Scabs, 
Warts.     Simple  and  cancerous  tumors  of  the  glands. 

BLOODY-MILK. 

Causes.  Blows  on  the  udder  or  commencing  inflamma- 
tion from  any  other  cause  ;  heat  or  rut ;  a  sudden  acces- 
sion of  rich  food,  causing  local  congestion  with  increased 
flow  of  milk ;  the  consumption  of  acrid  plants  (ranunculus, 
hydropiper,  resinous  shoots,  etc.,)  and  the  conditions  which 
give  rise  to  red-water.  The  milk  may  have  a  red  sedi- 
ment fi'om  feeding  madder,  logwood  and  other  agents. 

Treatment.  If  from  congested  glands,  a  saline  laxative 
followed  by  nitre,  restricted  diet  and  bathing  with  cold 
water.  If  from  acrid  plants,  withhold  them,  give  a  laxa- 
tive to  clear  away  any  yet  retained  in  the  stomach  and 
follow  up  with  small  doses  of  nitre  and  acetate  of  lead. 
If  from  partial  congestion,  with  a  somewhat  nodulai'  state 
of  the  gland  and  but  little  heat  or  tenderness,  rub  daily 
with  compound  tincture  of  iodine  mixed  with  three  1  imea 
its  bulk  of  water.     Milk  carefully  and  gently. 

BLUE  OR  VISCID  MILK. 

Due  to  cryptogams  in  this  liquid.  Remove  from  the 
vicinity  of  decomposing  animal  matter,  withhold  food  oi 
water  containing  vegetable  germs  and  administer,  daily 
bisulphite  of  soda  (2  di*s.,  cow). 


Diseases  of  the  Mammce  (Udder J  and  Teats.  329 


CONGESTION  AND  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  MAMMARY  GL.INDS. 
GARGET.      MAMMITIS. 

Causes.  Blows  on  the  gland,  lying  on  a  cold  or  shar| 
stone,  sores  on  the  teats,  leaving  the  milk  unduly  long  11 
the  bag  (hefting),  standing  in  a  cun-ent  of  cold  air,  expos- 
ure in  cold  showers  or  inclement  weather,  rich  milk-mak^ 
ing  food  too  suddenly  supplied,  indigestion,  or  indeed  any 
derangement  of  the  general  health  is  hable  to  produce  this 
disease  in  an  animal  in  full  milk.  Ewes  often  lose  their 
bags  or  their  lives  from  sudden  weaning  of  their  lambs, 
or  cows  fi'om  neglect  in  milking.  Some  aliments,  like 
cotton  seeds,  are  dangerous. 

Symptoms.  There  may  be  simple  warm,  hot,  tense 
(caked)  bag,  or  there  may  be  a  circumscribed  nodular 
mass  in  the  centre  of  the  bag.  In  severer  cases  there  is 
lameness  on  the  affected  side,  a  red,  hot,  tense  painful 
gland,  with  no  secretion  or  only  a  bloody  clotted  mass. 
These  cases  come  on  with  violent  shivering,  high  temper- 
ature, strong  rapid  pulse  and  quickened  breathing,  dry 
nose,^  costiveness  and  suppression  of  urine.  They  may 
end  in  abscess,  mduration  or  gangrene,  or  a  perfect  re- 
covery may  ensue. 

Treatment.  In  mild  cases  with  no  fever  and  little  pain, 
rub  well  with  camphorated  spirits  or  weak  iodine  oint- 
ment or  luith  plenty  of  dboiv-grease.  Milk  thrice  a  day  and 
rub*  for  a  considerable  time  on  each  occasion.  If  unequal 
to  active  rubbing  put  a  good  hungi-y  caK  to  the  udder. 

In  the  severe  cases,  if  seen  in  the  shivermg  fit,  give  a 
strong  cordial  (gmger,  pepper,  whisky,  brandy,  gin  or  ale 
in  several  quarts  of  warm  water)  and  envelop  from  head 
to  tail  in  a  thick  rug  wrung  out  of  water  as  nearly  boilmg 
as  possible,  covering  aU  with  several  dry  blankets  and 
bmdmg  firmly  to  the  body ;  give  copious  warm  vater  in- 
jections and  bring  if  possible  into  a  sweat.  When  this 
has  lasted  half  an  hour  uncover  graduaUy,  rub  cby  and 
cover  with  a  light  dry  wrapping. 

If  the  disease  has  advanced  further  and  there  is  abeady 


330  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

active  inflammation  in  the  gland,  foment  continuously  with 
warm  water  or  support  in  a  poultice  containing  horic  acid, 
cutting  holes  for  the  teats,  adding  a  little  belladonna  to  re- 
lieve the  pain.  Give  an  active  purge  (salts)  and  follow  up 
with  aconite  and  nitre.  Draw  off  the  milk  frequently,  using 
a  milking  tube  if  the  act  is  very  painful.    If  the  discharge 

Fig.  40. 


Fig.  40 — Milking  Tube. 

smells  sour  inject  a  weak  solution  of  carbonate  of  soda 
and  permanganate  of  potassa  (5  grains  of  each  to  1  oz.  of 
water).  If  the  gland  becomes  hard  and  indurated,  rub  with 
iodine  ointment  or  mercurial  ointment,  not  both.  If  mat- 
ter forms,  open  with  the  knife.  If  gangrene  ensues,  use 
lotions  of  carbolic  acid  or  chloride  of  lime.  Many  sheep 
do  weU  with  a  coating  of  tar  on  the  gland.  In  the  ad- 
vanced stages  nourish  well  and  give  tonics  (sulphate  of 
iron,  gentian,  columba). 

IMPERVIOUS   TEAT. 

From  concretions  from  the  milk,  which  are  freely  mov- 
able in  the  teat  and  up  into  the  gland.  From  polypus  in 
the  teat  hangiag  by  a  band  from  the  mucous  membrane 
and  hence  movable  only  m  narrow  limits.  From  thicken- 
ing of  the  mucous  membrane  and  contraction  of  the  waUs 
of  the  duct  to  absolute  closure.  From  the  formation  of  a 
membrane  across  the  duct  of  the  teat.  From  closure  of 
the  external  orifice  of  the  teat  effected  ki  the  heaUng  of  a 
eoro. 

Treatment.  Concretions  may  be  extracted  by  manipu- 
lation or  with  a  grooved  director,  the  teat  having  been 
first  relaxed  ia  a  warm  solution  of  belladonna.  Polypi 
are  removed  by  making  a  free  incision  through  the  teat, 
twisting  off  the  tumor,  accurately  sewing  up  the  wound 


Diseases  of  the  Mammce  (Udder)  aud  Teats.  331 


and  milking  for  some  time  with  a  tube.  The  obliteration 
of  the  duct  by  contraction  of  its  walls  or  by  a  membra- 
nous growth  is  to  be  met  by  a  histuori  cache  (a  knife  one 

Fig.  41. 


Fig.  41— Bistuori    Cach6. 

line  in  breadth  hidden  in  a  groove  of  a  sharp-pointed 
handle,  but  which  can  be  pressed  out  of  its  case  so  as  to 
cut  to  any  extent  desired)  and  a  silver  or  gutta-percha 
teat  tube  to  be  kept  tied  in  the  newly  made  channel  until 
it  heals.  It  is  well  to  leave  these  surgical  operations  un- 
til the  milk  is  dried  up.  A  simple  instrument  is  in  use 
by  dairymen,  consisting  of  a  steel  probe  flattened  out  to 
two  Hues  at  one  extremity  and  with  finely  sharpened 
point. 

SORE  TEATS.      SCABS.      WAETS. 

Sores,  chaps  and  scabs  on  the  teats  are  to  be  treated 
by  soothing  apphcations.  One  ounce  each  of  spermaceti 
and  almond-oil  melted  together  will  often  suffice.  Or  5 
gi-ains  each  of  balsam  of  Tolu  or  Peru  may  be  added. 
Or  a  solution  of  5  grains  of  sugar  of  lead  or  chloral-hy- 
drate and  ^  oz.  each  of  glycerine  and  water.  But  no  plan 
will  succeed  ^vithout  gentle  milking,  with  diy  teats,  espe- 
cially in  winter,  or  in  bad  cases  without  the  use  of  a  milk- 
ing tube.  Warts  are  to  be  removed  by  the  knife,  scissors 
and  caustic. 

Simple  and  Malignant  Tumors  of  the  mammary  glands 
are  met  with  in  all  species  of  domestic  quadrupeds  and 
demand  removal  with  the  knife. 


CHAPTER  XV. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  EYES. 

TiTchiasis.  Torn  eyelids.  Superficial  inflammation  of  the  eye.  Simple 
ophthalmia.  Conjunctivitis.  Parasites  on  the  eyes.  Specks  or  films  on  the 
eye.  Ulcers  of  the  transparent  cornea.  Tumors  of  the  transparent  cornea. 
Enzootic  ophthalmia  in  cattle  and  sheep.  Internal  ophthalmia.  Inflamma- 
tion of  the  deep  structures  of  the  eyeball.  Iritis.  Choroiditis.  Retinitis. 
Recurring  ophthalmia.  Periodic  ophthalmia.  Moon-bhndness.  Cataract. 
Palsy  of  the  nerve  of  sight.  Amaurosis.  Glass  eyes.  Glaucoma.  Cancer, 
Staphyloma.     Worms  in  the  eye. 

TRICHIASIS. 

Turning  in  of  tlie  eyelashes  ;  a  common  cause  of  inflam 
mation.     Snip  off  the  offending  hair  with  scissors. 

TORN  EYELIDS. 

Should  be  accurately  brought  together  and  held  by  col- 
lodion, which  is  to  be  laid  on  with  a  brush,  layer  after 
layer,  until  strong  enough  to  hold  safely.  If  this  is  not  at 
hand  bring  together  with  a  quilled  suture — the  stitches, 
with  carbolated  thread  or  catgut,  being  tied  round  two 
quills  lying  on  the  respective  flaps,  so  as  to  prevent  puck- 
ering of  the  edges  and  to  secure  even  healing.  If  the  lips 
art)  brought  into  accurate  apposition  and  stitches  placed 
closely  together,  the  quills  may  be  discarded.  To  prevent 
rubbing  of  the  healing  and  itching  eye,  turn  the  animal 
round  in  the  stall  and  tie  short  to  the  two  posts  so  that 
the  head  cannot  reach  either.  Feed  from  a  bag  hung  in 
front  and  cut  open  lialf  way  down  to  admit  tl^  nose. 


Diseases  of  the  JEyes.  833 

SUPERFICIAL  IKFLAMMATION  OF  THE  EYE.      SIMPLE 
OPHTHALMIA.      CONJUNCTIYITIS. 

Causes.  Blows  with  whips,  etc.,  hay-seed,  chaff,  dast^ 
lime,  thorns,  etc.,  in  the  eye  ;  standing  in  a  current  of  cold 
air ;  irritant  emanations  from  dung  and  urine ;  obstruction 
of  the  lachrymal  duct  with  swelHng  at  the  inner  angle  of 
the  eye  and  hardened  mucus  in  the  orifice  of  the  duct  as 
seen  in  the  floor  of  the  chamber  of  the  nose  ;  in  horse  and 
ox,  the  presence  of  a  worm— ^/ilaiia  lachri/mcdis — inside  the 
eyelids  ;  and  in  pigs  of  the  measle  bladder- worm — cysticer- 
cus  cellulosa — in   the  fat  around  the  eye. 

Symptoms.  Ked,  sore,  watery  eyes,  with  or  without 
fever  according  to  the  severity  of  the  attack,  soon  followed 
by  a  bluish  or  white  film  or  opacity  extending  no  deeper 
than  the  surface  of  the  transparent  part  of  the  eyeball. 
The  swelling  of  the  eyeUds  may  extend  to  the  hollow  above 
the  eye,  filling  it  up.  There  is  no  suffering  or  winking 
when  brought  into  a  bright  light,  nor  any  undue  contrac- 
tion of  the  pupil  as  compared  Avith  healthy  eyes.  If  for- 
eign bodies  are  present  they  will  be  detected  by  exami- 
nation. 

Treatment.  Hay-seed,  chaff,  etc.,  may  be  removed  with 
a  pair  of  small  forceps,  with  the  point  of  a  lead  pencil,  or 
with  the  head  of  a  pin  covered  with  a  soft  handkerchief. 
Lime  and  sand  may  be  similarly  removed  or  washed  out 
with  a  fine  syringe.  Thorns  may  be  picked  out  with  a 
needle,  the  animal  having  been  first  thrown  and  the  eye 
fixed  with  the  fingers  or  by  putting  the  patient  under  the 
influence  of  ether  or  chloroform.  Or  if  not  too  deep  they 
will  slough  out  of  their  own  accord  in  a  day  or  two.  The 
patient  must  be  protected  from  cold  or  any  other  apparent 
cause  of  illness,  should  take  a  dose  of  physic,  and  have 
the  affected  eye  covered  with  a  cloth  constantly  wet  with 
a  solution  of  1  dr.  sugar  of  lead  or  sulphate  of  zinc,  10  gi-ains 
morphia  and  1  pint  water.  It  is  often  best  to  use  it  tepid 
but  if  used  cold  it  should  be  maintained  so. 


334:  The  Farmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

WHITE  SPECKS  AND  CLOUDINESS  OF  THE  EYE. 

These  are  the  results  of  inflammation  and  if  confined  to 
the  transparent  outer  coat  of  the  eye  may  usually  be  re- 
moved by  touching  them  daily  with  a  feather  dipped  in  a 
solution  of  3  grs.  nitrate  of  silver  in  an  ounce  of  distilled 
water.  Such  an  application  should  never  be  made  while 
the  part  is  still  inflamed  and  the  eyehds  swollen  and  red, 
as  it  will  then  be  painful  and  injurious.  It  will  usually 
fail  to  remove  the  speck  when  that  consists  in  a  thick 
cicatrix  following  an  ulcer,  or  when  red  vessels  are  seen 
running  across  it. 

ULCERS  OF  THE  TRANSPAEENT  CORNEA. 

These  also  follow  inflammation  and  are  to  be  recognized 
by  the  visible  breaks  or  abrasions  in  the  surface  layers  of 
the  transparent  coat  of  the  eye.  Apply  the  same  agent  as 
for  specks  but  of  double  or  treble  the  strength,  and  improve 
the  general  health  by  a  liberal  diet  and  a  course  of  tonics 
(sulphate  of  iron,  nux  vomica,  cinchona). 

TUMORS  OF  THE  TRANSPARENT  CORNEA. 

These,  if  not  of  a  cancerous  nature,  nor  connected  with 
the  vascular  colored  curtain  which  encircles  the  pupil 
(the  iris),  may  be  removed  with  the  knife  or  scissors,  the 
part  touched  with  a  stick  of  nitrate  of  silver,  and  a  lotion 
like  that  used  for  simple  ophthalmia  applied  on  a  cloth. 

ENZOOTIC  OPHTHALMIA  IN  CATTLE  AND  SHEEP. 

This  affection  attacks  one  or  several  herds  or  flocks  in  a 
locality,  at  any  season  and  without  apparent  cause,  ex- 
cepting proximity.  The  symptoms  are  those  of  simple 
ophthalmia,  but  of  a  severe  type,  with  much  fever  and 
complete  clouding  of  the  eye  from  exudation  into  the 
whole  thickness  of  the  transparent  cornea,  followed  by 
ulceration,  and  sometimes  perforation  of  this  membrane, 
loss  of  the  humors  of  the  eye,  and  permanent  blindness. 

Treatment     Separate  the  sound  from  the  diseased  and 


Diseases  of  the  Eyes.  335 

from  the  pastures  or  buildings  where  the  malady  has  ap- 
peared. Give  the  affected  strong  purgatives  (salts)  fol- 
lowed by  diuretics  (nitre),  place  in  a  dark,  quiet,  dry 
building,  and  keep  a  cloth  over  the  eye  saturated  with  a 
solution  of  a  drachm  each  of  nitrate  of  silver  and  carboHo 
acid  and  10  gi's.  of  morphia  to  a  quart  of  distilled  water. 
Blisters  may  be  appHed  to  the  cheeks  or  behind  the  ears 
(Spanish  flies  2  drs.,  lard  f  oz.,  for  cattle ;  twice  the 
amount  of  lard  for  sheep ;  rub  well  in).  The  resulting 
ulcers  may  be  treated  in  the  ordinary  way. 

INTERNAL  OPHTHALMIA.      INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  DEEP  STRUCT- 
URES OF  THE  EYEBALL.      IRITIS.      CHOROIDITIS.      RETINITIS. 

Caitses.  Severe  blows  or  other  forms  of  local  irritation  ; 
extremes  of  darkness  and  light ;  exposure  to  a  draught  of 
cold  air,  to  a  storm ;  various  constitutional  disturbances, 
especially  those  of  the  digestive  organs. 

Symptoms.  Like  those  of  superficial  ophthalmia,  but 
with  more  fever,  constitutional  disturbance,  accelerated 
pulse,  loss  of  appetite,  increased  heat  of  body,  and  above 
all  with  retraction  of  the  eye  into  its  socket,  pro- 
trusion of  the  haw  from  its  inner  angle  over  its  surface, 
closure  of  the  Hds  and  contraction  of  the  pupil  when 
brought  into  the  hght,  and  the  presence  of  a  turbid  liquid 
behind  the  transparent  cornea,  with  white  floating  flakes, 
and  a  yellowish  or  whitish  deposit  at  the  bottom  of  the 
chamber.  The  brilliant  reflection  of  the  iris  or  curtain 
is  also  larg^ely  impaired.  As  the  disease  advances  a  white 
Bpeck  or  cloud  appears  in  the  lens,  behind  the  pupil  and 
iris. 

Treatmeftit.  Place  in  a  dark  building  with  pure,  dry 
air,  purge  (cow,  salts ;  horse,  aloes ;  dog,  castor-oil,)  and 
follow  up  with  febrifuges  (nitre,  digitahs ;  in  dogs  or  pigs 
tartar  emetic) ;  apply  alternately  by  means  of  a  rag  over 
the  eye  a  lotion  of  20  grs.  acetate  of  lead,  20  drops  extract 
of  belladonna  and  1  quart  water,  and  one  of  20  grains 
sulphate  of  zinc,  20  drops  of  tincture  of  (physostigma) 


83 G  The  Farmei^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Calabar  beau,  and  1  qt.  water,  clianging  twice  daily ;  blis 
ter  the  face  or  neck  as  for  enzootic  ophthalmifa. 

RECUBKING  OPHTHALMIA.      PERIODIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

MOON-BLINDNESS. 

Attacks  solipeds  only. 

Causes.  Hereditary  predisposition  ;  breeding  in  damp, 
cloudy,  foggy  or  marshy  localities  ;  keeping  in  damp,  close, 
ill-conditioned  stables ;  the  irritation  about  the  head  at- 
tendant on  teething;  clogging  the  digestive  organs  by 
feeding  wheat  or  maize  without  salt  or  sulphate  of  soda 
the  presence  of  worms  in  the  intestines  ;  whatever  lowers 
the  general  health,  and  the  general  causes  of  iritis. 

Symptoms.  Like  those  of  internal  ophthalmia  with,  in 
many  cases,  increased  tension  and  hardness  of  the  eyeball, 
and  its  deeper  retraction  into  the  orbit.  The  main  differ- 
ence is  in  the  liabihty  to  recur,  at  intervals  of  three  weeks, 
a  month  or  more,  if  the  exciting  causes  have  not  been 
removed,  until  the  subject  is  left  blind.  In  the  intervals 
between  the  attacks  the  transparent  coat  of  the  eye  retains 
a  hazy  bluish  cloudiness  around  its  border,  the  iris  is 
wanting  in  its  normal  lustre,  the  anterior  chamber  has 
often  a  shght  deposit  at  its  lower  part,  and  the  upper  eye- 
lid is  bent  at  an  unnatural  angle  about  one-third  of  its 
length  from  the  inner  angle.  After  two  or  three  attacks 
a  cataract  remains. 

Prevention.  Avoid,  for  breeding  purposes,  all  horses 
belonging  to  an  affected  family;  all  localities  that  are 
damp,  foggy,  cloudy  or  relaxing ;  as  well  as  ill-appointed 
stables.  Maintain  good  health  and  condition  by  sound 
feeding,  watering,  housing,  grooming  and  exercise.  When 
threatened  remove  to  a  drier  and  more  bracing  climate. 

Treatment.  As  for  iritis.  Some  cases,  like  rheumatism, 
are  benefited  by  colchicum  and  the  free  use  of  alkalies 
(carbonates  or  acetates  of  potassa  or  soda).  Those  that 
present  increased  tension  and  hardness  of  the  eyebal] 
should  be  early  treated  by  iridectomy  whic  h  can,  however 


Diseases  of  the  J^pes.  337 

only  be  undertaken  by  the  surgeon.  All  cases  should 
have  a  course  of  tonics  (oxide  of  iron,  nux  vomica,  ginger) 
as  soon  as  the  violence  of  the  fever  has  abated,  and  should 
be  submitted  to  a  regimen  calculated  to  improve  their 
condition  so  as  to  ward  off  a  new  attack.  Recovery  from 
a  particular  attack  may  be  expected  in  from  6  to  10  days, 
and  this  contributes  to  sustain  the  reputation  of  such  ri- 
diculous resorts  as  knocking  out  the  wolf  teeth,  and  sucli 
injurious  ones  as  cutting  out  the  haw  (hooks). 

CATARACT. 

This  is  the  most  constant  result  of  internal  ophthalmia, 
though  it  may  occur  from  other  causes,  such  as  diabetes  or 
uraemia.  The  condition  is  opacity  of  the  lens,  and  may 
be  recognized  as  a  white  speck,  or  a  white  fleecy  cloud 
filling,  in  the  worst  cases,  the  whole  of  a  widely  dilated 
pupil.  It  is  best  seen  with  the  animal  looking  out  of  the 
stable  door,  and  with  a  dark  background.  A  still  more 
satisfactory  examination  can  be  made  with  a  Hghted  taper 
in  a  dark  room.  Three  images  of  the  taper  are  reflected, 
(1)  from  the  surface  of  the  eye  (cornea),  (2)  from  the  an- 
terior surface  of  the  lens,  and  (3)  from  the  posterior  sur- 
face of  the  lens.  The  two  anterior  are  upright,  the  pos- 
terior is  inverted.  If  either  of  the  two  posterior  images 
is  changed  into  a  diffuse  white  haze  in  passing  over  any 
part  of  the  pupil  it  implies  an  exudation  into  that  part  of 
the  lens — a  cataract.  Haziness  of  the  large  anterior  im- 
age is  only  caused  by  opacity  of  the  cornea. 

Treatment.  Newly  formed  cataracts  will  sometimes 
clt^ar  up,  by  absorption,  under  such  treatment  as  is  adopted 
for  inflammation,  but  the  rule  is  that  an  opacity  of  the 
lens  once  found,  is  permanent.  In  cattle  and  sheep  the 
lens  may  be  extracted  or  depressed  as  in  man,  but  in  the 
horse  such  an  operation  would  be  worse  than  useless,  as 
without  spectacles  he  could  never  see  things  in  their  right 
form  or  position,  and  would  become  an  incorrigible  shyer, 
Better  leave  him  blind.     Cases  not  due  to  recurring  oph- 

22 


338  Tlie  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

thalmia  may  be  benefited  in  the  long  run  by  applying  a  drop 
of  phosphorated  oil  (phosphorus  2  grs,  almond-oil,  1  oz.,^ 
to  the  eye,  daily,  for  several  months. 

PALSY  OF  THE  NERVE  OF  SIGHT.      AMAUROSIS.      GLASS  EYES. 

Causes.  Congestion^  tumors,  dropsy,  or  other  disease 
of  the  brain.  Injury  to  the  nerve  of  sight  by  pressure  or 
otherwise.  Inflammation  with  exudation  into  the  retina. 
Excess  of  light.  It  may  be  symptomatic  from  overloaded 
stomach,  from  bloodlessness,  and  sometimes  from  gesta- 
tion. 

Symptoms.  Eyes  unnaturally  clear  from  wide  dilatation 
of  the  pupils.  Failure  of  the  pupils  to  contract  when  ex- 
posed to  light  or  sunshine,  or  to  dilate  in  darkness.  The 
subjects  do  not  wince  when  a  feint  is  made  to  strike  them 
unless  the  hand  produces  a  current  of  air.  The  animals 
step  high  to  avoid  obstacles  and  have  very  active  ears, 
which  are  constantly  exercised  to  make  up  for  lack  of 
sight. 

Treatment.  If  due  to  removable  cause  stop  this,  then 
blister  the  cheek  or  behind  the  ear,  as  for  ophthalmia,  and 
gi  ve  nerve  stimulants  (strychnia,  nitrate  of  silver,  etc.) 

Among  the  other  affections  of  the  eye  are  Glaucoma,  the 
time  nature  of  w^hich  can  only  be  ascertained  with  the 
ophthalmoscope  ;  Cancer  which  demands  the  skill  of  the 
anatomist  for  removal ;  StapJiyhma  or  vascular  tumor  of 
the  cornea  ;  Worm  in  the  eye  {Filaria  Ocvli)  which  is  to  b€ 
extracted  by  skillful  puncture;  etc. 


CHAPTER  XVI 
DISEASES  OF  THE  NERVOUS  SYSTEM. 

General  causes.  Epilepsy.  Falling  Sickness.  Cho:  sa,  St.  Vitus's  Dance^ 
St.  Guy's  Dance.  Vertigo,  Megrims  in  horses.  Lock-jaw,  Trismus,  Teta- 
nus. Convulsions,  Fits.  Sleepy  Staggers,  Coma  Somnolentum.  Apo- 
plexy. Inflammation  of  the  Brain,  Phrenitis,  Encephalitis,  Cerebral  Men- 
ingitis. Inflammation  of  the  spinal  cord.  Myelitis,  Spinal  Meningitis.  Ep- 
idemic Cerebro-spinal  Meningitis,  Cerebro-spinal  Fever.  Enzootic  Myelitis 
in  sheep.  Trembling,  Hydro-rachitis.  Paralysis.  Loss  of  sensation  or 
voluntary  motion.  General  Paralysis.  Paraplegia,  Palsy  of  the  hind  limbs. 
Hemiplegia,  Palsy  of  one  lateral  half  of  the  body.  Facial  Paralysis.  •  Other 
local  palsies.  Stomach  Staggers,  "Loco,"  and  Acute  Lead  Poisoning.  Sun- 
stroke. 

The  frequency  of  these  affections  bears  some  relation 
to  the  development  and  activity  of  the  great  nerve  centres 
and  especially  the  brain.  They  are  often  symptomatic 
of  other  diseases,  the  irritation  being  conveyed  along  the 
nerves  to  the  nerve  centres  so  as  to  derange  their  func- 
tions ;  at  other  times  they  have  their  origin  in  these  cen- 
tres themselves.  Among  common  causes  may  be  named  : 
exposure  to  intense  heat  or  cold,  especially  with  a  dry 
parching  atmosphere ;  excess  of  light ;  deranged  or  ex- 
cited circulation,  as  in  loss  of  blood  or  plethora,  obstacles 
to  the  return  of  blood  from  the  head,  by  the  jugular  veins, 
or  imperfect  supply  from  thickening  of  the  cranial  bor  es ; 
the  influence  of  poisons,  pressure,  etc. ;  severe  overexer- 
tion ;  digestive,  hepatic  and  urinary  disorders,  and  para 
sites. 

EPILEPSY.      FALLING  SICKNESS. 

This  is  seen  in  dogs,  cattle,  horses  and  pigs  in  about 
the  order  named.      It  usually  exists  independently  of  any 


340  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

observable  change  of  brain  structure.  Thus,  in  dogs  it 
follows  distemper,  or  depends  on  teething,  worms  in  the 
stomach  or  intestines,  or  acari  (pentastoma)  in  the  nasal 
sinuses.  In  pigs  indigestible  substances  in  the  stomach 
may  determine  it.  Brown-Sequard  showed  how  it  could 
be  developed  at  will  in  Guinea-pigs  by  tickling  the  neck 
and  has  even  produced  it  in  the  human  subject.  In  all 
animals  it  may  be  looked  on  as,  generally,  a  reflex  act. 
Abscesses,  tumors,  etc.,  of  the  brain  have  been  found  in 
certain  instances  in  horses,  and  the  malady  has  super- 
vened on  a  severe  fright  and  chase,  or  a  broken  horn  or 
other  injury  to  the  head  in  cows.  Probably  in  these 
cases  the  disease  of  the  brain  has  rendered  it  more  sus- 
ceptible to  the  impression  coming  from  a  distant  part  of 
the  body.      The  disease  has  proved  hereditary  in  cattle. 

Symptoms.  Sudden  loss  of  sensation  and  voluntary 
movement,  with  convulsive  contraction  of  the  muscles  of 
'the  trunk  and  limbs.  The  patient  may  or  may  not  appear 
dull  or  stupid  for  some  time,  but  the  attack  is  always  sud- 
den, the  victim  crying,  falling  to  the  ground,  stiffening  aU 
over,  with  clenched  jaws,  frothing  at  the  lips  and  fixed 
red  eyeballs.  The  attack  may  last  for  one  or  several  min- 
utes, after  which  the  muscles  relax  and  the  animal  be- 
comes conscious  but  retains  considerable  dullness  or  lan- 
guor for  a  day  or  more.  The  attacks  are  more  or  less  fre- 
quent according  to  the  activity  of  the  exciting  cause. 

Treatment  Remove  the  causes — worms  or  other  irri- 
tants in  the  intestinal  canal  or  elsewhere : — in  excitable 
plethoric  animals  restrict  diet  and  give  more  exercise ;  in 
the  bloodless,  feed  highly  and  give  iron  and  bitters;  in 
dyspeptic  pigs  give  sound  food  and  bitters  (gentian,  quas- 
sia, camomile,  boneset,  serpentaria,  myrrh,)  with  iron. 
In  excitable  stallions  castration  is  usually  needful.  During 
the  attack  inhalations  of  chloroform  or  ether,  or  the  in- 
jection of  these  agents  or  of  chloral-hydrate  will  serve  to 
cut  short  the  attack.  If  dependen1>  on  irritation  of  some 
known  part  of  the  surface,  attacks  may  be  obviated  by 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System.  341 

cutting  the  nerves  proceeding  from  this  part,  or  better  by 
b'ght  firing  with  an  iron  at  a  red  or  white  heat. 

CHOREA.      ST.  VITUS' S  DANCE.      ST.  GUY's  DANCE. 

Mainly  seen  in  the  dog  and  horse.  Occurs  in  subjects 
debihtated  or  worn  out  by  disease,  as  in  dogs  by  distem- 
per. There  is  no  constant  structural  change  in  the  brain^ 
but  the  occurrence  of  the  disease  as  a  consequence  of 
exhausting  disorders  and  the  excess  of  urea,  etc.,  in  the 
urine,  may  be  taken  as  implying  an  altered  state  of  the 
blood,  and  of  the  processes  of  sanguification. 

Symptoms.  Momentary  spasms  of  the  voluntary  mus- 
cles, leading  to  jerking  of  one  or  more  limbs,  of  the  head 
or  of  the  entire  body.  This  continues  without  intermission 
in  sleep  as  in  waking,  and,  by  wearing  the  subject  out, 
increases  the  disorder.  In  the  horse  it  occurs  mainly  in 
the  hind  Hmbs,  but  will  also  attack  the  fore,  and  tempora- 
rily the  muscles  of  the  body.  * 

Treatment.  Ee-establish  health  and  vigor  by  abundant 
nourishment,  open  air  exercise,  tonics  (sulphate  and  car- 
bonate of  iron,  cascarilla,  quiniaj  cold  baths,  rubbing  dry 
afterwards,  and  strychnia.  Nerve  sedatives  (chloral-hy- 
drate) may  be  given  to  check  or  moderate  the  spasms. 

VERTIGO.      MEGRIMS  IN  HORSES. 

An  equine  disease  characterized  by  sudden  and  tempo- 
rary loss  of  sensation  and  voluntary  motion,  with  trem- 
bling, and  it  may  be  champing  of  the  jaws,  but  without  the 
general  spasms  of  epilepsy. 

Causes.  Brain  disorders  such  as  tumors,  congestions, 
effusions,  etc.,  or  modified  circulation  from  compression 
of  the  jugular  veins,  or  disease  of  the  heart.  Plethora  is 
a  frequent  cause  in  the  young. 

Symptoms.  The  animal  drawing  a  load,  especially  up- 
hill, with  a  tight  collar,  driven  hurriedly  in  extreme  heat, 
or  in  a  strong  glare  of  sunshine  or  snow,  suddenly  hangs 
on  the  reins,  slackens  his  pace,  staggers  a  httle  perhaps, 


342  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  if  not  stopped  di'ops  in  harness,  first,  it  may  be, 
starting  to  one  side,  or  rearing  up  so  as  to  fall  back  over 
the  driver.  If  stopped  on  the  first  sign  of  failing,  the 
attack  may  usually  be  warded  off.  If  it  has  taken  place, 
the  loosening  of  the  harness  and  a  few  minutes  rest  wiU 
generally  bring  the  animal  round,  so  that  he  can  get  on 
his  legs,  but  he  remains  nervous  and  excitable  for  several 
days. 

Prevention.  Treatment.  In  plethoric  young  horses  im- 
prove the  condition  by  restricted  diet  and  regular  increas- 
ing exercise,  or  turn  out  to  grass  for  a  time.  Give  an 
occasional  laxative  and  diuretic.  Avoid  tight  or  badly 
fitting  collars  or  whatever  presses  on  the  veins  of  the 
neck.  Shelter  the  top  of  the  head  from  the  direct  rays  of 
the  sun  by  a  sunshade.  Wear  a  wet  sponge  constantly 
between  the  ears  when  at  work.  When  the  premonitory 
symptoms  appear,  stop,  slacken  the  collar,  cover  the  eyes, 
apply  cold  water  or  ice  to  the  head  and  neck  ;  blood  may 
even  be  drawn  from  the  palate,  the  temporal  artery  or 
the  jugular  vein.  This  should  be  followed  by  an  active 
purgative  (aloes,  Glauber  salts,)  and  nerve  sedatives 
(chloral-hydrate,  bromide  of  potassium).  A  laxative  diet 
must  be  kept  up  for  some  time  or  a  run  at  grass  allowed. 

LOCK-JAW.      TRISMUS.      TETANUS. 

This  consists  in  persistent  (tonic)  cramps  of  the  volun- 
tary muscles.  When  confined  to  those  of  the  face  it  is 
trismus  or  lock-jaiv,  when  general  tetanus. 

Causes.  Wounds,  especially  of  unyielding  structures, 
like  the  foot,  the  firm  fibrous  layers  covering  the  limbs, 
shoulder  or  croup,  or  the  bones  (tail).  Wounds  implicat- 
ing large  sensory  nerves,  or  enclosing  rust,  gritty  matters, 
or  castrating  clamps,  or  subject  to  chafing  as  between  the 
thighs,  are  occasional  causes.  In  other  cases  exposure 
to  cold  or  wet  or  a  continual  dropping  on  some  part  of 
the  body  is  the  cause.  In  still  others  it  appears  without 
any  obvious  reason,  though  probably  from  internal  lesions. 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System.  343 

It  is  remarkable  that  it  rarely  occurs  until  wounds  are 
well  advanced  in  heaKng.  In  lambs  it  has  been  observed 
in  connection  with  overfeeding  of  the  ewes  on  trefoil, 
grain,  etc.,  as  well  as  from  exposure. 

Sympto77is.  General  stiffness ;  hardness  of  the  affected 
muscles ;  protrusion  of  the  haw,  from  the  inner  angle  ol 
the  eye,  over  the  ball,  becoming  more  marked  if  the 
animal  is  excited,  as  by  jerking  xip  the  head ;  in  the  worst 
cases  the  head  is  elevated  and  carried  stiffly,  the  tail 
raised  and  trembling ;  the  legs  directed  sKghtly  outward 
like  four  immovable  posts,  and  in  walking  are  lifted  almost 
without  bending;  the  animal  cannot  lie  down,  or  if  he 
gets  down,  rouses  the  spasms  fatally  in  his  struggles  to 
rise ;  the  bowels  are  always  torpid ;  the  breathing  is 
excited  and  in  bad  cases  stertorous ;  and  though  the 
spasms  never  give  way  they  occur  in  paroxysms,  which  are 
easily  roused  by  movement,  the  presence  of  strangers, 
loud  talking,  banging  of  doors,  rustling  of  straw  or  any 
other  noise  or  commotion.  It  usually  proves  fatal  by  the 
cramps  of  the  muscles  of  the  throat  (larynx)  and  chest. 

Treatment.  Secure  perfect  quiet  in  a  dark  box,  safely 
locked  from  curious  observers;  place  shngs  beneath  the 
patient  so  that  he  can  stand  clear  of  them  or  rest  in  them 
at  will ;  remove  straw  or  other  source  of  excitement ;  feed 
very  soft  bran  mashes  or  thick  gruels,  from  such  a  level  as 
does  not  require  any  dropping  of  the  head  to  reach  them  ; 
give  a  strong  dose  of  purgative  medicine  (horse,  aloes; 
sheep,  ox,  sulphate  of  soda  or  magnesia;  swine,  dog, 
castor-oil),  following  this  up  by  antispasmodics  thrice  daily 
(i)elladonna,  prussic  acid,  chloral-hydrate,  lobelia,  tobacco, 
pliysostigma,  etc.),  or  these  may  be  given  by  injection,  or 
chloroform,  ether,  or  nitrite  of  amyl  by  inhalation.  If  it 
does  not  excite  the  animal  too  much,  give  a  steam  bath, 
or  a  thorough  perspiration  Tvdth  hot  rugs,  covered  with 
dry  ones.  The  bowels  must  be  kept  open  by  small 
doses  of  powdered  croton  seeds  or  podophylhn  mixed 
with  solid  extract  of  belladonna  and  smeared  on  the  back 


344  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


teeth  as  often  as  may  be  necessary.     A  bad  case  wiW 
require  six  weeks  to  acquire  complete  ease  of  movement. 

CONYULSIONS.      FITS. 

Seen  most  fi-equently  in  young  dogs  and  cats  during 
teething  and  in  bitches  at  the  period  of  parturition  or 
when  reduced  by  suckliug  a  large  litter.  In  dogs  or  pigs 
they  are  common  fi'om  indigestion  or  intestinal  worms, 
and  will  occur  in  all  animals  from  disorders  in  the  brain 
or  poisons  in  the  circulation.  The  symjjtoms  are  those  ol 
sudden  agitating  spasms  of  one  or  more  parts  of  the  body, 
usually  protrusion  and  redness  of  the  eyeballs,  and  froth- 
ing from  the  mouth,  with  complete  insensibility.  Treat- 
ment consists  in  removing  the  causes  as  far  as  ascertained ; 
lance  inflamed  gums ;  expel  worms  or  irritating  matters 
from  stomach  and  bowels ;  correct  dyspepsia  by  good 
feeding,  air,  exercise,  lodging,  and  by  tonics  (bitters,  iron, 
etc.)  The  convulsions  may  be  checked  by  such  agents  as 
ether  or  chloral-hydrate  given  by  inhalation  or  injection. 

SLEEPY  STAGGEES.   COMA  SOMNOLENTUM. 

A  chronic  disease  of  horses  characterized  by  drowsiness 
with  impaired  consciousness  and  voluntary  movement, 
without  fever.  It  may  be  associated  with  pressure  on  the 
brain  by  tumors,  soft  or  bony,  but  above  all  by  serous 
effusion.  Increase  and  decrease  of  the  brain,  and  thick- 
ening of  its  membranes  are  other  occasional  concomitants. 
It  appears  to  be  at  times  connected  with  deranged  blood- 
formiQg  processes,  as  in  diseases  of  the  right  heart,  lungs 
and  Hver,  or  with  defective  elimination,  as  in  kidney  dis- 
orders. 

Symptoms,  Sleepiness,  listlessness,  want  of  life  and  in- 
telligence, a  stupid  demented  look  in  the  eye.  drooping 
lids,  unsteaduiess  in  the  gait,  perhaps  only  seen  in  turning 
or  backing ;  in  worse  cases  the  patient  will  twist  the  legs 
over  each  other  in  walkiug  straight,  or  will  even  rest  the 
head  or  haunches  on  manger  or  stall.     The  bowels  ai-e 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System.  345 

torpid.  The  symptoms  are  like  those  of  stomach  staggers 
without  the  abdominal  disorder. 

The  animal  may  recover  so  as  to  work  well  in  winter, 
while  utterly  useless  in  summer,  and  this  state  may  last 
for  several  years.  A  complete  recovery  is  rare  and  yet  it 
is  occasionally  seen,  everything  depending  on  the  struct- 
ural changes  existing.  But  even  in  the  incurable  cases 
the  progress  may  be  retarded  by  treatment. 

Treatment,  In  hot  weather  keep  in  a  cool  well-aired 
place,  or  in  the  open  air  in  the  shade.  Give  soft  laxative 
diet,  free  access  to  cold  water  and  an  occasional  purgative 
(sulphate  of  soda).  A  course  of  tonics  (iron,  nux  vomica, 
gentian,)  and  diuretics  (digitalis,  iodide  of  potassium, 
bromide  of  potassium,)  are  often  useful.  Blisters  may  be 
appHed  to  the  neck  or  limbs  if  there  seems  to  be  effusion. 
The  correction  of  any  existing  disorder  in  the  lungs,  liver 
or  kidneys,  will  increase  the  prospects  of  cure ;  when 
well  enough  to  use,  such  horses  should  wear  a  breast-strap 
in  place  of  a  collar,  and  should  not  be  overdone.  They 
should  never  be  used  for  breeding  purposes. 

APOPLEXY. 

Sudden  loss  of  sensation  and  voluntary  motion  from 
effusion  on  the  brain,  and  associated  with  a  turgid  condi- 
tion of  the  blood-vessels  of  the  head  and  neck. 

Causes.  It  occurs  in  plethoric  animals  during  exertion, 
in  those  suffering  fi*om  softening  of  the  brain,  the  result 
of  plugging  of  the  vessels  with  fibrinous  clots,  of  concus- 
sion, congestion,  etc.  The  symptoms  are  congestion  of  the 
head,  dullness,  heaviness,  followed  by  complete  paralysis, 
sensory  and  motor,  loud  stertorous  breathing,  and  dilata- 
tion of  the  pupils. 

Treatment.  In  the  early  stages,  before  the  patient  ia 
paralyzed,  apply  cold  water  or  ice  to  the  head,  bleed  from 
the  temporal  artery  (just  behind  the  eye)  or  the  jugulai 
vein,  keep  perfectly  quiet,  and  freely  open  the  bowels. 


34G  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BRAIN.      PHRENITIS.      ENCEPHALITIS. 
CEREBRAL  MENINGITIS. 

This  is  seen  in  all  domestic  animals  hut  especially  in 
horses,  oxen  and  sheep.  Among  the  causes  may  be  men- 
tioned :  blows  on  the  head  with  concussion  of  the  brain 
or  fcacture  of  the  cranial  bones ;  plugging  of  the  vessels 
in  the  brain  by  clots  formed  in  diseases  elsewhere ;  in- 
fection of  the  blood  with  pus  or  putrid  animal  fluids ; 
sudden  changes  of  temperature ;  exposure  to  extreme  heat 
or  cold ;  the  over-exertion  of  plethoric  animals  ;  alcoholic 
poisoning  from  feeding  spoiled  ]Droducts  of  distilleries ; 
congestion  from  a  tight  collar,  loss  of  jugular,  or  diseased 
heart ;  sympathetic  nervous  disorder  from  indigestion ; 
the  growth  of  tumors  or  parasites  in  the  brain ;  feeding 
on  ergoted  grasses  or  smut. 

Symptoms.  If  the  brain  substance  alone  is  involved 
there  is  usually  dullness,  stupor,  and  palsy,  sensory  and 
motor :  if  the  membranes  covering  the  brain,  there  is 
more  violence,  dehrium,  irregular  movements,  pawing, 
stamping,  champing  the  teeth,  and  partial  or  general  con- 
vulsions. In  either  case  there  is  trembhng,  elevated 
temperature,  excited  pulse  and  breathing,  heat  about  the 
upper  part  of  the  head,  injected  glaring  eyes,  rolling  or 
set,  extreme  excitability  and  violent  trembling  even  when 
just  roused  from  stupor.  The  patient  wiU  sometimes  bore 
the  head  against  an  obstacle,  or  rest  his  haunches  on  any 
object  within  reach.  The  violence  is  not  necessarily  con- 
tinuous, but  usually  occurs  in  paroxysms,  leaving  intervals 
of  stupor  and  comparative  quiet.  During  the  paroxysm 
the  subjects  may  cry :  horses  neigh,  cattle  beUow,  sheep 
bleat,  pigs  squeal  and  grunt.  During  the  periods  of 
stupor  the  pulse  and  breathing  are  usually  slow,  and  this 
applies  also  to  those  cases  in  which  the  disease  has 
merged  into  a  condition  of  vertigo,  coma  or  paralysis. 

Treatment  Apply  ice  or  cold  water  to  the  head,  give 
injections  of  turpentine  and  oil,  a  strong  purgativ(i  (horse, 
aloes  and  croton ;  sheep,  ox,  Glauber  salts  and  croton 


Diseases  of  the  Netvoiis  System.  347 


pig,  croton  beans,)  with  chloral-hydrate  and  ergot ;  bleed 
from  the  temporal  artery  and  jugular  vein,  and  follow  up 
with  diuretics  and  sedatives  (nitre,  bromide  of  potassium). 
The  animal  should  be  kept  in  a  cool  airy  stall.  If  paral- 
ysis follows,  treat  as  for  that  disease. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SPINAL  COED.      MYELITIS. 
SPINAL  MENINGITIS. 

The  causes  are  similar  to  those  of  jDhrenitis.  The  dis- 
ease may  show  itself  by  paroxysms  of  convulsions,  with 
exalted  temperature,  increased  circulation  and  rapid 
breathing,  finally  merging  into  paralysis ;  or  it  may  be 
manifested  at  once  by  palsy  without  previous  spasms,  but 
with  coldness,  and  usually  dryness,  of  the  paralyzed  part, 
though  the  anterior  part  of  the  body  may  be  bathed  in 
perspiration.  There  may  be  tenderness  on  striking  ih.(s 
spines  in  the  affected  region  of  the  back,  and  there  is 
gi'eat  pain  and  unsteadiness  in  any  attempt  at  movement 
even  though  the  patient  may  be  able  to  stand.  There  is 
no  redness  of  the  urine  as  in  azotoomia. 

Treatment.  Apply  cold  water  or  ice  to  the  affected 
part  of  the  spine  ;  cup  or  leech,  if  this  can  be  done  ;  purge 
as  in  phrenitis,  adding  ergot  of  rye  or  chloral-hydrate.  As 
improvement  sets  in  bUster  the  back  (cantharides,  mus- 
tard, etc.,)  and  give  diuretics,  chloral-hydrate,  bromide  of 
potassium,  ergot  of  rye.  Care  must  be  taken  to  turn  the 
patient  often  if  unable  to  stand,  giving  a  soft  dry  bed,  and 
to  draw  off  the  water  frequently  with  a  catheter  unless  it 
Is  passed  spontaneously. 

EPIDEMIC  CEREBRO-SPINAL  MENINGITIS.      CEREBRG-SPINAL 
FEVER. 

Inflammation  of  the  substance  and  coverings  of  the 
brain  and  spinal  cord  in  horses,  sometimes  prevailing 
widely  in  stables  or  cities,  from  some  cause  acting  gener- 
ally. The  true  cause  is  unknown,  though  in  many  cases 
debilitating  conditions,  like  unwholesome  food  or  water, 


848  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

overwork,  sudden  exposure  to  intense  heat  or  suddenl;^ 
induced  plethora  will  serve  as  immediate  excitants  of  the 
morbid  process.  It  is  peculiar  to  no  season  but  has  not 
been  recognized  in  Europe. 

Sj/mpioms.  These  are  varied  according  to  the  case. 
Some  are  seized  abruptly  with  cramps  of  the  voluntary 
muscles,  especially  those  of  the  neck  and  hind  limbs, 
which  soon  give  place  to  general  palsy — motor  and  sen- 
sory. In  other  cases  the  onset  is  slow.  There  may  be 
trembling,  dullness  and  lassitude  for  some  hours  or  days, 
or  there  may  be  some  local  paralysis,  Hke  that  of  the 
throat  or  lips,  incapacitating  the  animal  from  swallowing 
liquids,  or  causing  profuse  slavering.  But  sooner  or  later, 
in  all  cases  alike,  paralysis  sets  in  and  the  animal  is  barely 
able  to  support  itself,  or,  if  worse,  lies  prostrate  on  his  side 
with  limbs  extended  and  flaccid.  If  the  case  is  to  prove 
fatal,  coma  and  complete  stupor  usually  precedes  death. 
If  recovery  ensues,  appetite  is  often  preserved  throughout 
and  restoration  of  the  general  health  precedes  the  disap- 
pearance of  the  palsy,  sometimes  by  several  months.  The 
pulse  throughout  is  little  varied  being  usually  slow  and 
soft  at  first,  and  weaker  and  more  rapid  as  the  disease 
advances.  Breathing,  at  first  little  affected,  becomes  deep 
and  stertorous  as  coma  sets  in.  The  surface  temperature 
is  cool  and  that  in  the  rectum  usually  natural.  The  bow- 
els are  generally  costive  and  the  urine  unchanged  and 
may  pass  involuntarily.  Tenderness  of  the  spine  may 
sometimes  be  detected  by  percussion  and  will  guide  to 
the  precise  seat  of  local  disease. 

Treatment.  The  disease  is  very  fatal,  though  varjdng 
much  in  successive  outbreaks.  Excepting  in  cases  of 
complete  paralysis  and  coma  the  patient  should  be  placed 
in  slings  and  have  what  laxative  food  (bran  mashes,  roots, 
etc.,)  he  will  take.  Cold  lotions  (nitre  and  sal-ammoniac) 
or  bags  of  pounded  ice  and  bran  should  be  applied  to  the 
Bpine,  and  hand-rubbing  and  mustard  or  other  stimulating 
embrocations,  to  the  limbs.      Copious  injections  of  warm 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System.  349 

water  may  be  thrown  into  the  rectum,  containing  in  soki- 
tion  aloes  or  other  purgatives.  Opium  or  chloral-hj^drate 
may  be  given  to  relieve  extreme  pain  or  spasm,  but  the 
agents  which  are  especially  demanded  in  the  early  stages 
are  bromide  of  potassium  and  ergot  of  rye.  These  may 
be  used  as  injections  or,  still  better,  subcutaneously,  the 
first  in  strong  solution,  the  last  as  ergotine.  When  swal- 
lowing is  perfect  they  may  be  administered  by  the  mouth. 
When  the  acute  symptoms  have  passed,  stimulants  (am- 
monia, ether,  alcoholic  fluids,)  and  tonics  (quinia,  casca- 
rilla,  boneset,  etc.,)  may  be  given  and  blisters  (mustard, 
Spanish  flies,)  applied  along  the  spine.  The  remaining 
palsy  must  be  treated  on  general  principles.  (See  Paral- 
ysis). 

ENZOOTIC  MYELITIS  IN  SHEEP.      TREMBLING.     HYDRO-BACHITIS. 

The  true  cause  of  this  affection  is  unknown,  but  it  has 
prevailed,  especially  on  newly  limed  land  which  has  un- 
dergone a  great  temporary  increase  of  fertility.  In  some 
parts  of  Scotland  its  prevalence  is  circumscribed  by  the 
windings  of  a  river  (Tweed)  and  without  any  ostensible 
cause ;  or  it  is  fatal  on  one  slope  (south)  of  a  hill  while 
the  opposite  escapes ;  or  again  it  prevails  on  the  richest 
table-lands.  It  attacks  mainly  lambs  or  sheep  under  1|- 
years  old  and  proves  very  fatal,  often  destroying  the  en- 
tire ofi'spring  of  the  year. 

Sijmptoins  vary  somewhat.  Many  lambs  appear  para,- 
lyzed  when  dropped,  either  in  the  hind  or  fore  extremities 
or  both,  others  are  attacked  a  few  days  or  weeks  later. 
Sometimes  the  head  or  entire  body  is  drawn  to  one  side 
by  tonic  spasm,  in  other  cases  there  is  spasmodic  move- 
ment of  the  limbs  in  progression  (louping-ill).  There  is 
usually  much  apparent  stupor  and  drooping  ears,  but  the 
patient  is  easily  startled  and  in  its  eff'orts  to  escape  wiU 
tumble  headlong.  A  nervous  trembhng  is  frequent  and 
there  is  tenderness  or  itching  of  the  loins  or  croup. 

Treatment  c  f  the  lambs  would  be  on  the  same  genorq,] 


350  The  Farmo^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

principles  as  in  inflammation  of  the  spinal  cord  in  otlier 
animals  but  mil  rarelj  pay.  Prevention  is  to  be  songlii 
by  keeping  breeding  ewes  and  young  sheep  from  newly 
limed  land ;  by  using  none  for  breeding  imder  two  years 
old,  and,  by  close  attention  to  food,  water  and  shelter,  to 
seciu'e  good  health  during  pregnancy. 

PARALYSIS.      LOSS  OF  SENSATION  OR  VOLUNTARY  MOTION. 

Loss  of  vohtntary  motion  is  known  as  Motor  paralysis, 
loss  of  sensation  as  Sensory  paralysis  or  An^sthesl\.  Pa- 
ralysis is  also  peripheral  when  it  occurs  from  injury  to  the 
nerves  (chilling,  tearing,  cutting,  pressure,  inflammation, 
degeneration,  etc.,)  and  central  when  it  arises  from  injury 
to  the  great  nerve  centres,  the  brain  and  spinal  cord. 
Sensory  and  motor  paralysis  may  exist  independently  of 
each  other,  and  loss  of  sensation  on  one  side  of  the  body 
may  coexist  with  increased  sensitiveness  on  the  other. 
An  injury  to  one  side  of  the  brain  usually  paralyzes  sen- 
sation or  motion  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  body.  Injury 
to  the  lower  part  of  one  lateral  haK  of  the  spinal  cord, 
paralyzes  motion  on  the  same  side  of  the  body  behind  the 
lesion ;  while  an  injury  to  the  upper  part  of  one  lateral 
haK  of  the  cord  paralyzes  sensation  on  the  opposite  side 
behind  the  hurt,  and  in  a  small  adjacent  part  of  the  same 
side,  while  the  rest  of  this  side  behind  the  lesion  is  ren- 
dered more  sensitive.  Space  forbids  our  following  fui'ther 
the  indications  furnished  by  the  nature  and  seat  of  the 
paralysis,  as  to  the  probable  lesions  in  the  central  nervous 
system ;  this  must  be  left  for  a  larger  work. 

general  paralysis. 

Paralysis  of  the  face,  trunk  and  extremities,  but  with- 
out the  impHcation  of  the  muscles  of  respii-ation,  may 
arise  from  pressure  on  the  brain,  or  as  a  reflex  action  fi'om 
distant  organs  (impacted  stomach,  constipation,  preg- 
nancy, etc.,)  and  may  not  be  incompatible  with  life.  If 
from  section  or  cutting  of  the  spinal  cord  in  front  of  the 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System.  351 

fifth   neck-bone   (broken  neck,  pithing,)   it   is   promptly 
fatal  by  abohshing  respiration. 

PARAPLEGIA.      PALSY  OF  THE  HIND  LIMBS. 

This  is  a  common  form  of  paralysis  resulting  from 
broken  back  or  loins,  or  it  may  be  reflex  from  disordeied 
digestion,  etc.  (in  horses,  cattle,  dogs).  It  may  also  occur 
from  tumors  or  parasites  in  the  spinal  cord,  from  bony 
sweUings  the  result  of  sprains,  from  inflammation  and 
softening  of  the  cord,  and  from  loKum  temulentum  (dar- 
nel), and  the  newly  ripened  seeds  of  its  allies,  lolium 
linicola  (flax  rye-gi'ass),  and  lolium  perenne  (perennial  rye- 
gi-ass).  The  chick  vetch,  millet,  ergot  and  various  blood 
poisons  (taurocholic  acid,  leucin,  tyrosin,  urea,  etc.,)  have 
a  similar  action. 

HEMIPLEGIA. 

This  consists  in  paralysis  of  one  lateral  half  of  the 
body,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  other,  usually  as  the  result 
of  some  disorder  of  one  side  of  the  brain  or  spinal  cord. 
rt  occurs  in  all  animals  but  less  frequently  than  paraplegia. 

FACIAL  PARALYSIS. 

This  sometimes  occurs  from  a  continuous  current  of 
cold  air  striking  on  the  side  of  the  face,  but  also  from 
bruises  behind  the  eye  and  joint  of  the  jaws,  by  a  badly 
fitting  bridle,  a  collar,  or  apparatus  commonly  used  for 
breachy  horses.  Cows  suffer  fi-om  similar  injuries  from 
stanchions.  Finally  it  may  result  from  disease  of  the 
brain  or  middle  ear. 

Other  locol  paralyses,  such  as  of  the  ear,  eyelids,  lips, 
tongue,  larynx,  tail,  etc.,  result  from  corresponding  causes. 

Treatment  for  paralysis.  Our  first  object  must  be  to 
remove  the  cause,  whether  this  consist  in  digestive,  urinary 
or  uterine  disorder,  in  congestion,  inflammation,  or  press- 
ure on  the  brain  or  nerves.  When  a  nerve  is  cut  across, 
we  must  wait  for  its  reunion.     When  the  cause  is  irre- 


852  The  Farmer'' s  Veterhmry  Adviser. 

movable  the  paralysis  is  necessarily  incurable.  In  cases  of 
inflammation  we  must  proceed  as  advised  for  inflammation 
of  the  brain  or  spinal  cord.  Then  apply  cold  douches  and 
friction  to  the  paralyzed  part,  followed  by  a  blister.  Blis- 
ters may  also  be  applied  to  the  neighborhood  of  the  nerve- 
centre  presiding  over  the  part.  In  some  cases  the  application 
of  the  hot  iron  lightly  is  beneficial.  A  current  of  electricity 
directed  along  the  course  of  the  nerve  or  through  the  para- 
lyzed muscles  may  be  repeated  daily  with  the  best  results ; 
or  nerve-stinmlants  (nux  vomica,  strychnia,  nitrate  of  silver, 
etc.)  may  be  given  twice  daily,  commencing  with  small 
doses  and  gradually  increasing  them  until  twitching  or 
slight  cramps  of  the  muscles  are  seen  ;  then  stop  their  ad- 
ministration for  a  few  days,  and  resume  with  half  the 
former  doses.  Never  continue  when  the  system  is  affected, 
as  shown  by  muscular  jerking.  In  some  cases  of  local  paral- 
ysis (retina,  etc.)  excellent  results  are  obtained  from  sub- 
cutaneous injections  of  strychnia. 

STOMACH    STAGGERS   AJSHD   ACUTE   LEAD   POISONESTG. 

These  are  affections  commencing  with  functional  stomach 
and  brain  disorder,  and  leading  to  congestion  and  inflamma- 
tion of  the  great  nerve-centres,  and  deserve  a  special  notice. 

The  stomach  staggers  of  horses  and  cattle  usually  arise 
from  eating  particular  articles  of  food,  such  as  the  different 
forms  of  rye-grass,  millet,  vetches,  tares,  etc.,  when  ripen- 
ing and  not  yet  cured.  A  poisonous  principle  exists,  which, 
in  the  case  of  the  Lolium  temulentum,  has  been  separated  as 
an  extract,  and  administered  with  fatal  effects  to  horses, 
cattle  and  dogs.  It  acts  by  paralyzing  the  stomach  and 
congesting  the  brain.  Cattle  will  suffer  similarly  from  the 
very  rich  vegetation  of  spring,  from  the  dry,  irritating  fibrous 
grass  mixed  with  the  aftermath,  or  from  a  sudden  change 
from  soft  to  hard  water.  In  Southern  Kansas,  Indian  Ter- 
ritory, and  Xew  Mexico,  the  "loco"  plant  produces  a  simi- 
lar nervous  disorder  with  an  increasing  fondness  for  the 
plant,  and  finally  death. 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System,  353 

Symjptoms.  The  first  effect  is  drowsiness,  the  horse  be- 
ing shiggish  at  work  and  falling  asleep  while  eating  or  drink- 
ing, or  the  ox  leaving  his  fellows  and  lying  down  w^ith  his 
head  on  his  flank,  his  eyelids  semi-closed  and  his  pupils 
dilated.  The  bowels  continue  to  move,  passing  undigested 
matter  and  wind,  the  abdomen  is  full  and  the  seat  of  fi-e- 
quent  rumbling,  and  the  appetite  is  retained,  so  that  the 
torpid  stomach  is  still  further  over-distended.  This  state 
of  things  may  continue  for  several  days,  and  is  followed  by 
imperfect  control  over  the  limbs,  hind  or  fore,  so  that  the 
subject  sways  unsteadily  in  walking,  and  leans  his  head  on 
the  manger  and  his  quarters  on  the  stall,  when  in  the  stable. 
Sometimes  paraplegia  is  the  first  sign,  drowsiness  being  ab- 
sent throughout.  The  drowsiness  in  time  gives  place  to 
restless  and  involuntary  actions,  jerking  of  the  head,  champ- 
ing of  the  jaws,  pushing  the  head  against  the  wall,  move- 
ments of  the  limbs,  walking  in  a  circle  or  straight  forward 
regardless  of  obstacles,  springing  or  dashing  violently  about, 
convulsions,  etc.  These  periods  of  violence  or  delirium  oc- 
cur in  paroxysms,  leaving  intervals  of  comparative,  thougli 
not  absolute,  quiet  and  stupor.  If  not  carefully  secured 
the  animals  often  kill  themselves  during  one  of  these  parox- 
ysms. The  pulse  and  breathing  are  slow  at  first,  but  accel- 
erated in  the  later  stages. 

Acute  lead  poisoning  in  cattle  results  from  eating  red  or 
white  paint  (often  the  refuse  of  paint-pots,  which  has  lain 
for  years  in  the  soil),  sheet  lead,  spent  bullets,  etc.,  or  from 
drinking  from  dishes  which  have  held  sugar  of  lead,  or  of 
soft  w^ater  that  has  run  through  leaden  pipes  or  stood  in 
leaden  cisterns.  The  symiDtoms  are  usually  indistinguish- 
able from  those  above  described,  the  preliminary  dullness 
and  drowsiness  merging  into  active  delirium,  with  reckless 
dashing  about  and  violent  bellowing. 

Treatment  in  all  cases  consists  in  stopping  the  ingestion 
of  the  poison  and  carrying  off  from  the  bowels  any  that 
still  remains  there.  Double  the  usual  amount  of  purga- 
tive medicine  must  be  given,  with  stimulants,  their  action 

23 


354  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

favored  by  injections  and  the  brain  symptoms  kept  in 
check  by  applying  cold  water  or  ice  to  the  head,  as  well  as 
by  bromide  of  potassium.  In  lead  poisoning  sulphate  of 
magnesia  or  soda  are  the  appropriate  purgatives,  and  ^ 
oz.  sulphuric  acid  should  also  be  given  in  two  pints  of 
water  to  precipitate  in  an  insoluble  form  any  lead  that 
may  still  be  retained.  If  later  there  is  a  suspicion  of  lead 
being  retained  in  the  system  give  iodide  of  potassium. 
Should  paralysis  persist  when  the  active  symptoms  have 
passed  away,  treat  that  on  general  principles. 

SUN-STROKE. 

This  is  especially  common  in  horses  in  the  hot  months 
and  in  the  large  cities,  but  is  seen  in  cattle  and  sheep  as 
well,  when  exposed  to  the  full  glare  of  the  sun.  Among 
the  causes  which  co-operate  in  its  production  may  be 
mentioned  foul,  badly  aired  stables,  tight  collars  or  girths, 
overwork  in  hot  weather,  heavy  milking  in  cows,  obesity, 
poor,  unwholesome  food,  and  indeed  any  health-deterio- 
rating condition.  Horses  are  usually  attacked  while  being 
speeded,  or  at  heavy  draught  work,  in  a  collar,  and  ex- 
posed to  the  direct  and  reflected  rays  of  the  sun,  as  in 
a  valley,  on  a  hillside  or  in  the  streets  of  a  city. 

Symptoms.  Sometimes  without  any  observed  premoni- 
tory sign  the  horse  wiU  suddenly  stop  in  harness,  droop 
his  head,  prop  himself  out  on  all  four  limbs,  pant  vio- 
lently, fall,  and  after  some  convulsive  movements,  die  in  a 
state  of  coma,  marked  by  stertorous  breathing.  In  other 
cases  the  attack  is  slower,  the  horse  flags  in  gait,  responds 
very  imperfectly,  if  at  all,  when  urged,  hangs  on  the  bit, 
may  perspire  freely,  or  have  a  dry  burning  surface,  and 
becomes  unsteady  on  his  limbs.  If  still  urged  he  falls, 
but  if  allowed  will  stand  with  legs  extended,  head  low 
and  stretched  out,  nostrils  dilated,  superficial  veins 
distended,  eyes  protruded  and  red,  pupils  contracted, 
breathing  rapid  and  wheezing  or  deep  and  stertorous,  the 
pulse  quick  and  weak,  and  the  heart-beats  tumultuous. 


Diseases  of  the  Nervous  System. 


oi>o 


This  is  followed  by  prostration,  a  state  of  unconsciousness, 
palsy  or  convulsions  and  death.  If  recovery  ensues  it  is 
followed  by  dullness,  uncertain  movements  of  the  limbs, 
drowsiness  or  other  sign  of  brain  disease. 

Treatment.  Douche  the  head  and  neck  with  cold  water, 
and  make  the  same  application  to  the  whole  body,  unless 
the  weakness  of  the  patient  forbids  this.  Throw  stimula- 
ting injections  into  the  rectum  (ammonia,  or  oil  of  turpen- 
tine and  oil).  If  the  convulsions  are  aggravated  by  the 
douche  use  injections  of  chloral-hydrate  instead.  Apply 
frictions  and  mustard  embrocations  to  the  limbs  and  the 
sides  of  the  neck,  especially  when  unconsciousness  and 
coma  come  on.  Improvement  may  be  expected  when  the 
pupils  dilate,  and  above  all  when  consciousness  returns. 
A  faihng  pulse  should  be  met  with  stimulants  by  the 
mouth  and  rectum.  To  ^rever^r  sun-stroke  much  may  be 
done  by  keeping  in  vigorous  health,  avoiding  ill-aired 
stables,  using  breast-straps  in  place  of  collars,  and  wear- 
ing a  sun-shade  and  a  small  wet  sponge  on  the  top  of  the 
head. 

PARASITES  IN  THE  BRAIN.     See  Parasites, 


CHAPTER   XVII. 
SKIN  DISEASES. 

Classification.  General  Causes  and  Treatment.  Congestion  of  the  skin, 
Chafing,  Chilling,  Irritants,  Sun's  Rays.  Congestion  with  Pimples,  Papules. 
Inflammation  with  Blisters,  Vesicles.  Inflammation  with  Pustules.  Inflam- 
mation of  horses'  heels,  Swelled  Legs,  Cracked  Heels,  Grease,  Grapes, 
Scratches.  Inflammation  of  the  skin  with  nodular  swellings,  Tubercles, 
Surfeit,  Urticaria.  Scaly  skin  disease.  Pityriasis,  Mallenders,  Sallenders, 
Scratches.  Boils,  Furuncles.  Nervous  irritation  of  the  skin.  Neurosis, 
Prurigo.  Warts.  Callosities,  Black-pigment  Tumors.  Epithelial  Cancer. 
Parasitic  skin  diseases.  Common  Ringworm.  Tinea  Tonsurans.  Honey- 
comb RingAvorm,  Favus.  Diffuse  Baldness,  Tinea  Decalvans,  Parasitic 
Pityriasis.  Parasitic  Grease.  Contagious  Foot-rot.  Mange.  Scab.  Itch. 
Scabies,  Acariasis.  Ticks.  Ixodes.  Warbles,  Larva  of  the  Gadfly.  At- 
tacks of  Flies,  Maggots.  Sheep-tick.  Melophagus  Ovinus.  Fleas.  Lice. 
Erysipelas.  Wounds — cut,  punctured,  bruised,  torn,  poisoned.  Burns. 
Scalds. 

Skin  Diseases  will  be  considered  under  the  following 
heads : 

1.  Diseases  due  to  general  caiises  and  embracing  all  the 
grades  of  inflammatory  action  : — congestion — a  red  pointed 
eruption  (papules) — a  similar  eruption  with  minute  blis- 
ters (vesicles) — the  formation  of  larger  hemispherical  blis- 
ters (bullae) — the  formation  of  pus  in  these  vesicles  (pust- 
ules)— the  formation  of  round  nodular  transient  swellings 
(tubercles) — the  excessive  production  of  scales  or  dan- 
druff (squamous) — pustules  with  circumscribed  sloughing 
of  the  deeper  layers  of  the  skin  (boils). 

2.  Diseases  manifested  hy  deranged  sensation — Neurosis. 

3.  Diseased  growtlis — warts — callosities — epithelial  can- 
cer, etc. 


Skin  Diseases.  357 


4.  Parasitic  diseases^ — vegetable  and  animal. 

5.  Diseases  connected  ivith  a  specific  poison — different 
forms  of  variola  (pox) — measles — scarla+ina — erysipelas 
— malignant  pustule,  etc. 

6.  Wounds.     Burns.     Scalds. 

General  causes.  These  are  exceedingly  varied.  Many 
tjases  are  the  result  of  simple  local  irritation,  as  chafing, 
radiating  heat,  cold  and  wet,  chemical  and  mechanical  irri- 
tants, or  the  presence  on  the  skin  of  parasitic  plants  or 
animals.  A  large  class  is  due,  however,  to  disorders  of 
internal  organs  with  which  the  skin  is  in  sympathy,  or 
that  have  failed  to  transform  or  throw  off  elements  that 
prove  cutaneous  irritants  by  their  presence  in  the  blood, 
or  when  being  excreted  abnormally  through  the  skin. 
Disorder  of  the  liver,  stomach,  bowels,  kidneys  and  lungs, 
are  especially  apt  to  act  in  this  way.  Sometimes  skin 
disease  is  a  mere  symptom  of  general  ill-health. 

General  treatment.  The  first  object  is  to  discover  and 
remove  the  cause ;  then  if  the  disease  is  of  an  inflamma- 
tory nature  and  acute,  soothing  agents  may  be  applied  to 
the  irritated  skin — fomentations  with  tepid  water,  oxide 
of  zinc  powder  or  ointment,  starch,  lycopodium,  spermaceti 
and  almond-oil,  solutions  of  sugar  of  lead,  sulphate  of  zinc, 
or  carbolic  acid,  collodion,  etc.  Give  internally  cooling  lax- 
atives (sulphate  of  soda,  tartrates  or  citrates  of  soda  or 
potash,)  and  diuretics  (acetate  of  potassa  or  ammonia, 
carbonate  of  potassa  or  soda).  In  weak  states  tonics  are 
often  wanted  whereas  in  plethoric  subjects  depletion  is 
equally  essential.  A  cool,  clean,  airy  stable  and  cleanli- 
ness of  the  skin  are  all-important. 

If  the  disease  is  not  so  recent  or  the  acute  symptoms 
have  been  subdued,  a  more  stimulating  class  of  local  ap- 
plications are  in  order:  ointments  of  iodine,  sulphur, 
mercury,  nitrate  of  mercury,  tar,  oil  of  tar,  oil  of  turpen- 
tine, oil  of  cade,  etc.,  may  be  used.  Supersedents  too 
may  be  given  internally  :  sulphur,  antimony,  arsenic,  mer- 
cury, Dunovan's  solution,  are  examples. 


358  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  SKIN. 

Simple  redness,  heat  and  tenderness  with  no  dark  color 
nor  eruption.  This  may  coexist  with  all  the  different 
forms  of  inflammatory  eruption  according  to  the  degree 
of  irritation  at  different  points. 

It  occurs :  From  chafing,  in  the  axilla,  between  tlie 
thighs,  in  the  heels  or  under  the  harness  in  hot  weather ; 
from  chills  after  hmig  wet,  in  the  heels  of  horses  and  on  the 
teats  of  cows  exposed  to  wet  in  winter ;  from  hardened  mud 
in  the  space  between  the  hoofs  in  cattle,  sheep  and  pigs ; 
and  from  the  suris  rays  in  white-faced  or  white-Hmbed 
animals. 

Treatment.  If  the  surface  is  only  tender,  wash  clean, 
and  apply  a  solution  of  table  salt,  sugar  of  lead  {^  oz.  to 
1  qt.)  or  a  little  camphorated  spirit.  If  the  surface  is 
abraded  (raw)  use  bland  powders  (oxide  of  zinc,  starch, 
lycopodium,)  wool,  collodion,  glycerine  1  oz.  aloes  20 
grs.,  or,  if  it  can  be  kept  covered,  sulphurous  acid  solution 
and  glycerine  (equal  parts),  laxatives,  diuretics  or  tonics 
must  be  used  according  to  the  indications.  It  is  all- 
important  to  avoid  further  irritation.  Light,  well-fitting 
harness  must  be  used,  and  the  stuffing  taken  out  and  the 
part  beaten  down  where  necessary,  to  avoid  pressure  on  a 
sore.  Zinc  fittings  to  the  top  of  the  collar  are  often  very 
serviceable.  So  too,  must  exposure  of  affected  heels  to 
damp  or  mud,  and  the  wetting  of  teats  in  milking,  be  care- 
fully avoided.     Lotion,  sugar  of  lead,  opium,  camphor. 

CONGESTION  WITH  SMALL  CONICAL  PIMPLES.      PAPULES. 

In  this  case  there  is  an  eruption  of  finely-pointed  pim- 
ples without  any  watery  exudation  or  bHster.  It  is  usually 
itchy  and  even  painful,  and  by  reason  of  rubbing  may  go 
on  to  exudation  with  great  thickening  of  the  skin,  bleeding, 
scabs  and  open  sores.  Horses,  especially,  suffer  in  spring 
and  auiumn  at  the  time  of  shedding  the  coat,  the  eruption 
often  confining  itself  to  the  neck,  shoulders  and  limbs. 
On  turning  back  the  1:  air  on  parts  which  are  itchy  or  sore, 


Skin  Diseases.  ^51) 


but  tliat  have  not  suffered  from  rubbing,  the  nature  of  the 
eruption  will  be  seen,  especially  if  a  slightly  magnifying 
glass  be  used.  The  affection  usually  gives  way  readilj 
under  the  use  of  weak  alkaline  washes  (carbonate  of  soda 
1  dr ,  water  1  pmt,)  or  soap-suds,  a  restricted  laxative 
diet  and  gentle  laxatives. 

INFLAMMATION  WITH  VESICLES. 

^  In  this  form  of  skin  disease  papules  are  crowned  with 
little  blisters,  so  small  and  pointed  as  to  require  a  mag- 
nifying glass  to  make  them  out  distinctly  (eczema),  or  as 
large  as  a  small  pea  and  rounded  (herpes,  buUse).  These 
forms  are  common  in  horses  and  dogs,  and  to  a  less  extent 
in  ruminants,  especially  in  connection  with  disorders  of 
digestion.  Highly  stimulating  food,  chpping  and  hot 
weather  are  particularly  favorable  to  their  development. 
Boiled  food,  diseased  potatoes,  green  food  or  any  change 
of  diet  may  cause  them.  One  form  of  this  affection  is 
induced  by  a  too  extensive  use  of  mercury  to  the  skin. 
Cattle  suffer  from  eating  the  refuse  of  distilleries  and 
gardens,  garbage  from  kitchens,  etc. ;  sheep  are  attacked 
after  exposure  to  cold  rains.  Old  horses  suffer  from  an 
inveterate  form  m  connection  with  bad  food  and  want  of 
grooming  and  wholesome  stabling.  In  dogs  too,  it  be- 
comes inveterate  and  chronic,  the  whole  skin  being  de- 
nuded of  hair  and  of  a  bright  scarlet,  with  the  character- 
istic eruption  mixed  with  cracks,  sores  and  scabs  (red 
mange).  In  the  milder  forms,  dogs  suffer  mainly  inside 
the  thighs  or  on  the  scrotum;  horses  suffer  under  the 
harness  and  especially  at  the  root  of  the  mane  and  under 
the  saddle,  but  the  eruption  may  spread  over  the  whole 
body ;  cattle  suffer  on  the  limbs,  especially  the  hind,  but 
not  exclusively  so. 

The  other  eruptions  are  often  mingled  with  the  vesicles, 
the  hairs  become  bristly,  and  as  the  skm  is  broken  by 
rubbing,  a  bloody  or  straw-colored  exudation  concretes 
in  scabs  and  mats  the  hair  together,  while  elsewhere  ex- 
tensive  raw  sores  appear. 


3 GO  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Treatment,  Give  a  saline  or  oleaginous  laxative,  and 
follow  up  with  acetate  of  potassa  or  other  alkaline  agents 
in  the  drinking  water.  If  there  are  signs  of  disordered 
liver  give  small  doses  of  podophyllin  to  keep  the  bowels 
slightly  relaxed;  if  debility,  bitter  tonics.  A  restricted 
non-stimulating  diet,  (herbivora,  mashes,  roots,  etc.;  car- 
nivora,  bread  and  milk,  oatmeal  porridge,  etc.,)  pure  air, 
cleanliness  and  skin  washes  of  carbonate  of  soda  or 
potassa  containing  a  few  drops  of  carbohc  acid  mil  prove 
valuable.     In  dogs  this  last  agent  should  be  omitted. 

In  all  forms  of  chronic  and  inveterate  eczema  the  scabs 
should  be  soaked  in  oil  for  a  few  hours  and  removed  by 
washing,  after  which  more  stimulating  applications  may 
be  resorted  to : — ointments  of  sulphur,  ioduie,  iodide 
of  sulphur,  sulphuret  of  potassium,  mercury,  nitrate  of 
mercury,  etc.,  with  or  without  alkalies.  In  some  cases  a 
few  drops  of  oil  of  vitriol  in  a  quart  of  water,  will  much 
relieve  the  itching  and  pain.  In  others  the  same  end 
must  be  sought  by  adding  prussic  acid  or  cyanide  of 
potassium  in  small  amount,  great  care  beiug  taken  to 
prevent  the  patient  from  licking  it.  Internally,  use  su- 
persedents — arsenic,  with  or  without  iodide  and  bromide 
of  potassium ;  or  small  doses  of  Dunovan's  solution  may 
be  resorted  to  in  bad  cases. 

mFLAMMATION  ^T:TH  PUSTULES. 

This  differs  from  vesicles  in  this,  that  the  elevations  on 
the  skin  have  the  scarfskin  raised  by  the  formation  below 
it  of  a  white,  purulent  matter,  in  place  of  clear  liquid. 
The  prominent  forms  are  those  with  large  pustules  (ec- 
lliyma),  and  those  with  small  (impetigo).  The  hair  stands 
erect,  and  scabs  form  on  the  suiface  covering  the  sores, 
especially  after  rubbing.  Even  if  not  rubbed  they  dry  up 
in  scabs  which  soon  fall  off. 

Horses  suffer  mainly  at  the  root  of  the  mane,  on  the 
neck,  the  rump,  and  on  the  lips  and  face,  especially  if 
white;   cattle  and  sheep,  especially  the  young,  are  at- 


Skin  Diseases.  3(31 


tacked  on  the  lips  and  other  delicate  parts  of  the  skin 
(vulva,  etc.,)  and  pigs  and  dogs  on  any  part  of  the  body. 

Causes.  It  is  often  chargeable  on  some  disorder  of 
digestion  as  the  result  of  unwholesome  food  or  a  sudden 
change  of  food,  as  from  dry  to  green,  or  from  one  kind 
of  pasturage  to  another.  In  young  animals  (foals,  calves, 
lambs,  kids,  pigs,)  it  appears  to  be  an  occasional  result  of 
heated  or  otherwise  unwholesome  milk.  Vetches  affected 
with  honey-dew  have  produced  it  in  white  horses  or  in 
white  spots  of  those  of  other  colors ;  and  buckwheat  has 
affected  white  sheep,  pigs,  goats,  etc.,  in  the  same  way. 
It  may,  however,  arise  from  habitual  exposure  to  cold  and 
wet,  local  irritation,  as  from  rubbing,  etc.,  or  from  dis- 
order of  other  internal  organs. 

Treatment  consists  in  softenmg  the  cnists  with  oil, 
washing  them  off  with  soap-suds,  and  applying  soothing 
or  gently  astringent  agents  to  the  part  (spermaceti  and 
olive-oil,  benzoated  oxide  of  zinc  ointment,  lime-water, 
sugar  of  lead  lotions,  etc.)  When  it  attacks  the  root  of 
the  mane  cut  off  the  hair,  and  if  the  pain  is  excessive 
foment  or  poultice  until  the  eruption  comes  to  a  head  when 
some  of  the  above  agents  may  be  applied.  When  the 
pustules  have  burst  and  show  little  tendency  to  healing, 
this  may  often  be  hastened  by  touching  the  sores  with  a 
pointed  stick  of  lunar  caustic,  or  a  weak  solution  of  this 
agent  (2  grs.  to  1  oz.  water)  may  be  lightly  painted  over 
the  part.  The  internal  treatment  consists  in  the  adminis- 
tration of  laxatives  followed  by  bitters  (gentian,  quassia, 
boneset,  cascarilla,  willow  bark,  etc.,)  and  diuretics.  In 
obstinate  or  long-standing  cases  the  same  treatment  may 
be  followed  as  in  chronic  eczema. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  HEELS  IN  HORSES.      GREASE. 

The  skin  in  the  region  of  the  heel  is  so  vascular  and  so 
abundantly  provided  with  oil-glands,  and  is  so  frequently 
exposed  to  irritants,  wet,  cold,  mud,  filth,  etc.,  that  a  special 
notice  of  its  inflammatory   condition   seems   demanded 


3G3  The  Farmers  Veterinary  Adviser. 

The  causes  are  a  lymphatic  constitution,  with  a  tendency  to 
stocking  of  the  legs ;  a  weak  circulation,  diseased  heart, 
liver  or  kidneys,  with  swelled  legs  ;  washing  the  heels  witli 
caustic  soap ;  leaving  them  wet  and  muddy  when  put  in 
the  stall ;  currents  of  cool  air  striking  on  the  heels  • 
irritant  fumes  fi*om  accumulated  dung  and  urine  ;  soaking 
of  the  heels  in  putrid  pools  in  the  straw-yard  ;  standing  in 
snow,  or  in  the  slush  of  melting  snow ;  and  besides,  any 
of  the  constitutional  causes  of  other  skin  diseases.  To 
these  might  be  added  liorse-pox^  foot-mange,  and  an  erup- 
tion associated  with  a  vegetable  parasite,  but  we  must  leave 
these  to  be  considered  with  specific  and  parasitic  diseases. 

Symptoms.  "We  find  all  gi-ades  of  inflammation  in  the 
heel :  1st,  Simple  swelling  vdih  dry  heat,  tenderness  and 
great  lameness  from  inabihty  to  stretch  the  skin  and 
bring  the  heel  to  the  ground :  2d,  Transverse  cracks  or 
chaps  more  or  less  extensive  :  3d,  A  pinkish- white  foetid 
discharge  fi'om  the  surface  with  oftentimes  some  modera- 
tion of  the  lameness :  4th,  The  eruption  of  pustules  of 
variable  size  :  5th,  The  formation  of  fungous  growths 
(grapes),  over  the  affected  surface,  of  a  size  from  a  pea  to 
a  cherry,  red,  angry  and  covered  with  a  foetid  discharge. 
This  last  form  often  invades  the  frog  constituting  canker. 
The  same  occurs  in  sheep  as  the  result  of  long  continued 
irritation  to  the  skin  of  the  coronet,  and  is  the  worst  form 
of  non-contagious  foot-rot.  6th,  A  sixth  form  of  the  affec- 
tion {scratches)  is  much  more  common  in  our  Kght  Ameri- 
can horse,  exposed  in  the  deep  mud  of  spring,  and  con- 
sists in  minute  excoriations,  becoming  covered  with  thin 
scabs  which  remain  tender  and  troublesome  for  an  in- 
definite length  of  time. 

Treatment.  The  prime  essential  is  to  avoid  the  cause, 
whether  exposure  to  filth,  cold,  wet,  local  irritants,  low 
condition,  or  disorder  of  some  internal  organ  or  function. 
If  the  inflammation  runs  high  a  cooling  laxative  (Glauber 
salts,  aloes,)  and  mild  diuretics  (nitre,  iodide  of  potassium,) 
should  be  given,  unless  contra-indicated  by  low  condition 


Skin  Diseases,  ^^Qo 


or  debility.  Tonics  (iodide  of  ii-on)  should  be  conjoined 
with  gentle  diuretics  for  weak  patients,  and  the  food  should 
be  cooling  (in  part  green  or  roots).  Gentle  pressure  from 
a  bandage  evenly  applied  from  the  foot  up,  is  beneficial. 

In  simple  inflammation,  without  eruption  or  discharge, 
apply  cloths  wet  with  a  weak  solution  of  sugar  of  lead  or 
other  astringent,  and  in  winter  cover  these  with  a  dry 
bandage  to  prevent  freezing.  Or  a  poultice  may  be  ap- 
plied with  a  little  sugar  of  lead  lotion  on  the  surface. 

When  cracks  have  appeared,  apply  a  similar  lotion  with 
the  addition  of  a  few  di'ops  of  carbolic  acid  or  grains  of 
chloral-hydrate  (enough  to  give  it  an  odor) ;  or  sulphurous 
acid  solution,  water  and  glycerine  in  equal  proportions, 
covering  promptly  and  perfectly  with  a  bandage ;  or, 
glycerine  and  aloes,  etc. 

In  case  of  discharge  or  pustules  the  lotion  may  be 
made  with  chloride  of  zinc  or  hme  in  place  of  sugar  of 
lead,  or  finely  powdered  charcoal  may  be  sprinkled  over 
the  poultice ;  carbolic  acid  or  chloral  will  be  equally  in 
place. 

When  fungous  growths  appear  more  active  measures 
are  demanded.  Strong  carbolic  acid  may  be  applied  to 
them  individually,  or  better,  pledgets  of  tow,  saturated 
with  tincture  of  the  muriate  of  iron,  should  be  bound  on 
by  a  tight  bandage  extending  from  the  hoof  up.  Or  the 
growths  may  be  snipped  off  with  scissors  and  the  muriate 
of  iron  applied ;  or  they  may  be  individually  strangled  by 
a  stout  thread  tied  round  their  necks,  or  cut  off  with  the 
sharp  edge  of  a  red-hot  blacksmith's  shovel,  a  cool  one 
being  held  beneath  to  protect  the  skin.  Then  apply  any 
one  of  the  antiseptics  above  mentioned. 

Scratches  are  among  the  most  obstinate  forms  of  the 
affection  because  not  severe  enough  to  demand  the  seclu- 
sion of  the  horse  from  wet,  mud  and  snow.  In  feeding 
the  subjects  of  this  affection  avoid  all  buckwheat,  maize  or 
other  heating  agents,  and  if  it  proves  obstinate  resort  to 
the  various  internal  remedies  advised  for  chronic  eczema 


SG-l  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Locally  use  benzoated  oxide  of  zinc  ;  glycerine  and  aloes  j 
camphorated  spirit  and  chloral ;  the  same  with  a  few 
drops  of  tincture  of  chloride  of  iron,  etc.  When  irritation 
subsides  and  the  scales  drop  off,  leaving  a  healthy-lookmg 
surface,  smear  with  a  bland  ointment  (spermaceti  and 
almond-oil). 

CUTANEOUS  INFLAMMATION  WITH  NODULAB  SWELLINGS. 
TUBERCULES. 

The  most  remarkable  example  of  this  is  what  is  known 
to  horsemen  as  surfeit,  by  veterinarians  as  urticaria.  It 
occurs  in  spring  and  autumn  in  horses,  cattle  and  pigs, 
and  is  at  once  connected  mth  moulting  and  sudden  changes 
of  food  or  of  weather.  With  some  fever,  there  appear  on 
different  parts  of  the  body  swellings  varying  in  size  from 
a  pea  to  a  walnut,  and  often  running  together  so  as  to 
form  extensive  patches,  which  will  close  the  nostrils,  eye- 
lids or  lips,  and  put  a  stop  to  feeding  or  even  threaten 
suffocation.  There  is  little  pain  or  tenderness  and  the 
swellings  are  very  transient,  appearing  and  disappearing 
on  different  parts  at  short  intervals. 

Treatment  consists  in  clearing  out  the  bowels  by  a  pur- 
gative (horse,  aloes ;  ox,  salts ;  pig,  oil  or  jalap,)  and  fol- 
lowing this  up  with  bitters  (gentian,  etc.,)  and  diuretics 
(nitre,  carbonates  of  soda  and  potassa). 

SCALY  SKIN  AFFECTIONS.      PITYEIASIS. 

These  are  exemplified  in  the  scurfy,  scaly  affections 
which  appear  in  the  bend  of  the  knee  (mallenders)  and 
hock  (sallenders)  and  on  the  lower  parts  of  the  limbs,  by 
scratches,  and  by  a  scaly  exfoliation  and  shedding  of  hair 
of  the  mane  and  face  of  old  horses,  and  of  different  parts 
of  the  body  in  cattle.  Some  of  these  like  mallenders,  sal- 
lenders  and  scratches  may  commence  as  papules  or  vesicles, 
while  the  scaly  affection  of  the  face  is  often  connected 
with  a  vegetable  growth,  but  this  form  is  distinguished  by 
extreme  tenacity,  and  a  gradual  progress  from  its  point  of 


Shin  Diseases.  365 


origin ;  that  whicli  is  dependent  on  constitutional  causes 
is  more  diffused.  They  depend  on  the  general  causes  of 
skin  diseases ; — heating,  unsuitable  diet,  sudden  changes, 
imperfect  grooming,  heats  of  summer,  disorders  of  the 
lungs,  bowels,  liver  or  kidneys,  on  oxaHc  acid  in  the  blood, 
and  some  constitutional  causes.  Beside  the  scurfiness 
and  loss  of  hair,  the  itching  is  often  so  extreme  as  to  ren- 
der the  subject  almost  unmanageable,  and  useless  for 
work. 

Treatment  A  moderate  laxative  diet  consisting  in  part 
of  roots  (carrots  and  turnips,)  the  free  administration  of 
alkahes  (carbonate  of  potassa  or  soda,  etc.,)  and  if  still 
inveterate,  a  prolonged  course  of  arsenic  will  be  requisite. 
Locally  use  mercurial  ointment  or,  if  extensive,  sulphur  or 
tar  ointment,  etc. 

BOILS.      FURUNCLES. 

These  are  too  well  known  to  need  description.  They 
consist  in  circumscribed  inflammation  of  the  deep  layers 
of  the  skin,  with  pustule  and  sloughing  of  a  limited  part  of 
the  fibrous  tissue.  They  are  not  uncommon  on  the  legs  of 
horses,  and  if  a  number  appear  in  succession  are  a  source 
of  great  trouble. 

Treatment,  While  still  a  simple  inflamed  nodule  they 
may  often  be  arrested  by  incising  crucially  with  a  sharp 
knife  and  applying  cold  water  bandages.  Or  apply  a 
poultice  or  thick  wet  cloth  to  bring  quickly  to  a  head.  If 
the  resulting  sore  is  indolent  or  unhealthy  touch  with  ni- 
trate of  silver.  The  free  internal  use  of  alkalies  (carbonate 
of  soda)  sometimes  checks  their  production. 

NERVOUS  IRRITATION  OF  THE  SKIN.      NEUROSIS.      PRURIGO. 

This  is  often  seen  in  horses  that  are  overfed  on  grain 
(especially  the  more  stimulating  varieties)  and  hay,  and 
that  have  close,  unwholesome  stables.  Hot  weather  is 
also  a  cause.  Though  occasionally  associated  with  pim- 
ples or  even  vesicles,  the  irritation  is  found  to  be  equally 


360  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

severe  on  parts  devoid  of  eruption,  yet  the  integument 
tends  to  become  thickened  and  rigid  as  the  disease  per- 
sists. The  irritation  may  be  sHght  or  so  severe  that  the 
harness  cannot  be  kept  on.  It  must  not  be  confounded 
with  rubbing  of  the  tail  from  pin-worms. 

Treatment.  Purge,  put  on  restricted  diet,  with  roots 
wash  the  skin  with  soap  and  water,  and  apply  water 
slightly  soured  with  oil  of  vitriol.  If  this,  mth  carbonate 
of  soda  internally,  fails  to  cure,  a  long  course  of  arsenic  is 
demanded. 

WABTS.      CALLOSITIES.       CANCEB.      BLACK  PIGMENT  TUMOBS. 

Wabts  are  to  be  removed  by  scissors  and  the  part  burned 
with  some  caustic  (lunar  caustic  if  near  the  eye,  butter  of 
antimony,  blue-stone,  chloride  of  zinc,  etc.,  elsewhere). 
Or  they  may  be  destroyed  by  tying  a  thread  tightly  round 
the  neck  of  each,  or  by  the  use  of  the  hot  iron. 

Callosities  are  common  under  the  saddle  (sitfasts).  A 
circumscribed  portion  of  skin,  the  seat  of  a  former  chafe, 
has  become  thickened  and  indurated  to  almost  horny  con- 
sistency. The  skin  around  the  edges  is  inflamed,  raw 
and  angry.  It  can  usually  be  loosened  by  a  poultice,  so 
as  to  be  easily  removed  by  a  sharp  knife,  after  which  it  is 
to  be  treated  as  a  common  sore. 

Black  Pigment  Tumobs  (Melanosis)  are  exceedingly 
common  in  gray  and  white  horses,  attacking  the  black 
parts  of  the  skin  (anus,  vulva,  udder,  sheath,  lips,  eyehds, 
etc.,)  and  though  sometimes  cancerous  are  often  quite 
harmless,  and  should  always  be  removed  with  the  knife. 

Epithelial  Canceb  is  not  common  in  the  lower  animals 
but  is  seen  in  the  lips  of  horses  and  cats.  Here  again  the 
knife  is  the  best  remedy. 

PARASITIC  DISEASES  OF  THE  SKIN. 
COMMON  BINGWOBM.      TINEA  TONSUBANS. 

This  is  common  in  horses,  cattle,  dogs  and  cats,  as  well 
as  in  man,  and  is  readily  transmitted  from  one  to  the 


Skin  Diseases.  367 


other.  It  is  especially  common  in  winter  or  spring,  an(^ 
occurs  as  round  bald  spots  on  the  face  or  elsewhere 
covered  with  white  scales,  and  surrounded  by  a  ring  of 
bristly,  broken  hairs,  or  spht  hairs  with  scabs  around  the 
roots  and  some  eruption  on  the  skin.  Soon  this  ring  of 
broken  hairs  is  shed  and  a  wider  bristly  ring  is  formed. 
A.mong  the  naked  eye  characters  the  breaking  and  splitting 
of  hairs  in  the  ring,  and  the  perfect  baldness  of  the  central 

Fig.  42. 


Fig.  42 — Hairs  with  spores  of  Trichophyton  Tonsurans.     From  the  horse. 
— Megnin. 

part  are  the  most  significant.  Chloroform  bleaches  the 
affected  hairs,  while  the  sound  ones  are  unaffected.  The 
microscopic  appearances  are  the  presence  in  the  hairs  and 
hair  follicles  of  a  vegetable  parasite  {trichophyton  tonsu- 
rans.) 

Treatment.  Shave  the  hairs  from  the  affected  part,  or 
better,  pull  them  out  with  a  pair  of  pincers  and  paint  with 
tincture  of  iodine,  or  a  solution  of  corrosive  subHmate  (40 
grains  to  1  pt.  of  water),  or  of  bisulphite  of  soda  (^  oz.  to 
Ipt.) 

HONEY-COMB  RINGWORM.      FAVUS. 

Common  in  cattle^  dogs,  cats,  rabbits  and  chickens,  as  well 
as  in  children  [scald-head).  It  shows  the  same  general  ap- 
pearance of  baldness  advancing  from  a  centre,  which  is 
described  above,  but  a  cup-shaped  yellowish  scab  results 
which  has  obtaiued  for  it  the  name.  The  parasite  (AcJio- 
rion  Schonleini)  appears  to  be  but  another  form  of  the 
fungus  of  ringworm  affected  by  its  conditions  of  growth 
and  especially  by  the  weak  or  unhealthy  condition  of  the 
Uost.     Treat  as  for  common  ringworm. 


103 


The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


Fig.  43. 


Fig-  43 — Hair  with  spores  of  Achorion  SchSnleini,  from  the  horse. — Megnin 
DIFFUSE  BALDNESS  (tINEA  DECALVANS).     PARASITIC  PITYRIASIS 

Two  other  forms  are  seen  in  the  horse,  one  attacking 
any  part  of  the  body,  and  recognized  by  the  agghitination 
of  five  or  six  hairs  together  in  a  white  crust,  and  the  other 
attacking  the  heads  of  old  horses,  and  characterized  mainly 
by  the  scurfy  product.  Both  are  exceedingly  inveterate, 
though  not  attended  with  excessive  itching,  and  demand 
the  persistent  use  of  tincture  of  iodine  or  corrosive  sub- 
limate lotions  in  order  to  effect  a  cure. 

Fig.  44. 


Fig.  44— Microsporon  Adouinii  from  Parasitic  Pityriasis  in  the  horse.-— 
Megnin. 

In  all  those  cases  the  harness,  brushes,  combs  and  wood- 
work must  be  washed  with  a  solution  of  caustic  potassa  or 
soda,  and  then  wet  with  iodine  ointment  or  a  solution  of 
corrosive  sublimate,  otherwise  all  treatment  may  be  fruit- 
less. Horse  blankets  should  be  boiled  for  a  length  oi 
time. 


Skin  Diseases.  309 


PARASITIC  GREASE.      CONTAGIOUS  FOOT-ROT  IN  SHEEP. 

In  inflammation  of  tlie  horse's  heel,  attended  with 
fungus-like  growths  (grapes)^  a  vegetable  growth  is  often 
present  and  seems  to  be  a  main  cause  of  the  disease. 
The  contagious  foot-rot  in  sheep  presents  the  same  appear- 
ance of  the  skin,  and  is  presumably  due  to  a  similar  para- 
site. With  or  without  an  abrasion,  the  matter  from  a 
diseased  foot  produces  in  the  healthy  one  swelhng,  excori- 
ation and  fungous  growths  round  the  top  of  the  hoof,  as 
well  as  an  excessive  growth,  softening  and  loss  of  cohesion 
of  the  horny  elements  below. 

Fig.  45. 


'  ig'  45  — Oidium  Batracosis  from  parasitic  grease. — Megnin. 

Treatment  consists  in  laying  bare  the  diseased  surface, 
and  applying  active  caustics  and  parasiticides.  Pare  the 
horn  to  the  quick  and  apply  tow  soaked  in  tincture  of 
muriate  of  iron,  butter  of  antimony,  solution  of  blue-stone 
or  nitrate  of  silver,  bind  up  firmly,  and  repeat  the  dressing 
daily.  All  overgrown  horn  must  be  carefully  removed, 
and  means  taken  to  prevent  irritation  from  dried  mud,  etc. 

MANGE.      SCAB.      ITCH.      SCABIES.      ACARIASIS. 

These  names  among  others  are  given  to  diseases  of  the 
skin  caused  by  acari.  Of  parasitic  acari  there  are  three 
principal  species  :  Sarcoptes,  which  burrow  in  canals  in  the 
ecarfskin  and  are  difficult  to  find  and  eradicate,  and  derma- 
topha^iis  and  dermatocoptis  which  live  on  the  surface  or 
among  the  scabs  and  are  more  easily  disposed  of.    Another 

24 


370  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


Fig.  46. 


Fig.  47. 


Fig.  48. 


Fig.  50. 


Fig.  51. 


Fig.  46 — Sarcoptes  Equi.  Female.  Fig.  47— Dermatophagus  Equi.  Female. 
Fig.  48— Dermatocoptes  Equi.  Female.  Fig.  49 — Dermanyssus.  (Hen 
louse.)     Fig.  CO— Gamasus  of  Fodder.     Fig.  51 — Demodex. 


Skin  Diseases.  871 


species — demodex — inhabits  the  sebaceous  glands  of  the 
skin  in  sheep  and  dog  and  causes  much  irritation  with 
acne-like  eruption.  Among  acari  occasionally  parasitic 
may  be  mentioned  :  the  dermanyssus  (misnamed  hen  louse), 
the  gamasus  of  musty  hay,  and  the  leptus  (misnamed  jigger 
in  the  Western  States),  all  excepting  the  last  living  on  the 
surface  and  easily  discovered.  Lastly  a  tyroglyph  is  acci- 
dentally parasitic  on  all  domestic  animals. 

Of  the  sarcojjtes  there  is  one  species  lives  on  the  horse, 
which  will  temporarily  inhabit  the  skin  of  man  ;  a  second 
is  pecuUar  to  the  goat ;  a  third  is  common  to  dogs  and 
swine,  a  fourth  to  cats  and  rabbits  and  a  fifth  to  chickens 
horses  and  foxes. 

One  species  of  dermatopliagus  lives  on  the  heels  and  legs 
of  horses,  another  on  the  tail,  neck,  etc.,  of  cattle,  and  a 
third  on  the  pastern,  limbs,  and  less  frequently  the  tnink, 
of  sheep. 

Of  dermatocoptes  there  is  also  a  particular  species  for 
each  of  these  animals — horse,  ox  and  sheep — though  usu- 
ally confounded  with  each  other.  These  are  the  most 
common  causes  of  mange  and  from  their  non-burrowing 
habits  are  most  easily  disposed  of. 

Accessory  causes.  Though  the  reception  of  the  acarus 
is  the  one  essential  cause  of  mange,  yet  others  conduce  to 
its  speedy  diffusion — as  poor  condition,  filth  and  warm 
seasons.  Some  acari,  like  the  dermatophagi,  may  even 
seem  to  suspend  operations  in  winter  and  cause  Httle  or 
no  trouble  until  the  following  spring. 

Symptoms.  We  must  state  these  in  general  terms, 
thromng  the  whole  class  into  one  group.  There  is  intense 
uncontrollable  itching,  aggravated  by  hot  weather  or  build- 
ings, and  by  perspiration.  If  the  affected  part  is  scratched 
the  animal  shows  his  gratification  by  moving  his  body  as 
if  nibbing,  and  especially  (in  horses)  by  a  nibbling  move- 
ment of  the  lips.  In  sheep  the  wool  is  torn  off,  and  white 
tufts  hang  on  the  dark  surface  of  the  fleece.  The  skin  is 
thickened  and  rendered  rigid  by  exv  lation  into  its  sub- 


372  The  Fanner's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

stance,  as  well  as  by  the  accumulation  of  crusts  on  the 
surface.  In  fine  skins,  like  that  of  the  sheep,  there  is  a 
distinct  papular  eruption,  and  in  all  there  are  excoriations 
and  even  deep  sores  and  ulcers  from  the  incessant  and 
desperate  rubbing.  The  bare  patches  are  less  absolutely 
BO  than  in  ringworm,  for  hairs  still  adhere  at  intervals 
and  though  the  hairs  may  be  broken  they  show  less  brit- 
tleness  or  tendency  to  spht  up.  But  the  one  reliable  sign 
is  the  presence  of  the  acartiSy  which  may  often  be  rec- 
ognized by  the  naked  eye  when  a  little  of  the  scurf  is 
placed  on  a  plate  of  glass  and  closely  watched.  The 
scabs  will  be  seen  to  move  and  a  Httle  observation  will 
enable  one  to  detect  the  almost  invisible  insect.  A  low 
magnifying  power  is  a  great  help.  To  find  the  sarcoptes 
it  may  be  necessary  to  expose  the  skin  to  the  warm  rays 
of  the  sun,  to  detach  a  crust  and  tie  it  for  twelve  hours  on 
the  skin  of  the  arm,  when  the  acarus  will  be  found  in  the 
centre  of  a  pale  red  papule  and  may  be  removed  with  a 
needle. 

The  dermanyssus  may  not  be  found  on  the  skin  unless 
the  subject  is  examined  in  the  stable  at  night.  They  are 
large  and  easily  detected  when  bright  crimson,  from  being 
gorged  with  blood.  There  is  always  the  suspicious  prox- 
imity of  chickens  or  their  dung,  the  latter  swarming  with 
gray  acari. 

The  demodex  living  in  the  hair  follicles  of  dogs,  causes 
h)ss  of  hair  and  prominent  red  nodules  (acne)  while  the 
sebaceous  matter  squeezed  from  the  follicles  contain  spec- 
imens of  the  acarus. 

The  sarcoptes  of  chickens  attacks  the  comb,  wattles  and 
feet,  causing  great  irritation. 

Treatment  is  local,  though  nourishing  food,  cool  clear 
air,  clean  dry  buildings,  and  the  avoidance  of  crowding  or 
exertion  are  important  auxiliaries.  By  soap-suds,  pre- 
ceded if  necessary  by  oil,  break  up  and  remove  the  scabs 
and  crusts  ;  then  apply  thoroughly  with  a  brush,  oil  of  tax 
i  oz.f  whale-oil  20  oz.,  or  ^  lb.  each  of  tar  and  sulphui*, 


Shin  Diseases.  37 


and  1  lb.  each  of  soap  and  alcohol.  For  sheep  with  heavy 
fleeces  baths  are  very  efficient.  The  following  example 
will  neither  stain  the  wool  nor  materially  endanger  the 
sheep.  Tobacco  16  lbs.,  oil  of  tar  3  pints,  soda  ash  20 
lbs.,  soft  soap  4  lbs,,  water  50  gallons  :  Boil  the  tobacco 
and  dissolve  the  other  agents  in  a  few  gallons  of  boiling 
water,  then  add  water  to  make  up  to  fifty  gallons,  retain- 
ing a  temperature  of  about  70*^  Fah.  This  will  suffice  for 
50  sheep  Each  sheep  is  kept  in  the  bath  three  minutes, 
two  men  meanwhile  breaking  up  the  scabs  and  working 
the  liquid  into  all  parts  of  the  skin.  When  taken  out  he 
is  laid  on  a  sloping  drainer  and  the  liquid  squeezed  out  of 
ihQ  wool  and  allowed  to  flow  back  into  the  bath.    A  second 


Fig.  52. 


Fig.  52— Ox-Tick.— Verrill. 

and  even  a  third  bath  may  be  necessary  in  inveterate 
cases.  For  newly  shorn  sheep  oily  applications  are  better, 
being  less  Hable  to  be  washed  off  by  rains.  One  part  of 
oil  of  tar  to  40  parts  castor-oil  or  lard  will  usually  suffice, 
})ut  sulphur  may  be  added  if  desired.  The  common  use 
of  mineral  poisons,  and  especially  the  compounds  of  mer- 
cury for  sheep  dips,  must  be  strongly  deprecated. 

In  all  cases  an  essential  part  of  the  treatment  is  to  dress 
with  similar  agents,  or  with  a  strong  solution  of  caustic 
potassa,  all  harness,  brushes,  combs  and  wood-work,  and 
to  subject  blankets  to  prolonged  boiling.  In  pastures, 
dress  every  iiibbing  post,  tree,  stump,  stone,  or  wooden 
fence,  or  change  the  field. 


374  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

TICKS.      IXODES. 

These  are  common  on  stock  in  some  parts  of  the  coun- 
try and  may  be  picked  off  or  dressings  applied  as  foi 
acari. 

LAKVA  OF  GADFLY.   WARBLES. 

These  may  be  found  in  little  rounded  tumors  the  size 
of  hazel-nuts,  on  the  backs  of  cattle  in  winter  and  spring, 
each  tumor  having  a  hole  in  the  centre  through  which  the 
grub  may  be  seen  or  extracted.  A  second  species  attacks 
sheep  as  well  as  cattle,  while  a  number  of  others  in  dif- 
ferent countries,  but  especially  in  the  tropics,  live  in  the 
skin  of  man  and  a  variety  of  animals.     Where  gadflies 

Fig.  53.  Fig.  54. 


Fig.    53 — CEstrus   Bovis. 
Gadfly  of  ox.— Clark.  Fig.  54 — Larva  of  same.     Warble. 

abound,  animals  are  greatly  terrified  and  injured  by  their 
attacks.  The  best  treatment  is  to  examine  all  cattle  in 
spring  and  squeeze  out  and  destroy  the  grubs  found  in 
theu'  backs,  enlarging  the  openings  with  a  knife  when 
necessary.  This  cuts  off  the  supply  of  flies  for  the  coming 
year  and  a  universal  practice  of  this  might  be  expected  to 
kill  them  out. 

ATTACKS  OF  FLIES  (DIPTERA).      MAGGOTS. 

The  attacks  of  flies  are  often  very  troublesome  and  even 
fatal  to  stock.  Many  agents  such  as  oil,  infusions  of  wal- 
nut leaves,  rue  or  wormwood,  are  used  to  drive  them  off 
but  with  only  partial  success.  To  protect  the  heads  of 
sheep  a  mixture  of  camphor,  turpentine  and  asafoetida  is 
very  effectual. 


Skin  Diseases.  375 


Slieep  suffer  mucli  in  some  localities  from  the  larva  of 
the  blowfly,  laid  on  any  clamp  or  dirty  part  of  the  skin,  as 
on  the  tails  and  thighs  when  scouring.  In  such  neighbor- 
hoods the  existence  during  summer  or  autumn  of  a  dark 
wet  spot  on  the  skin,  of  a  white  tuft  of  wool,  or  of  wrigghng 
of  the  tail  will  demand  immediate  attention. 

Treatment.  Clip  off  the  wool  and  filth,  pick  off  all 
maggots  and  apply  oil  of  turpentine  or  of  tar  5  oz.j 
camphor  1  dr.,  asafoetida  ^  dr. ;  dilute  carboHc  acid  or 
kerosene  may  be  used  in  the  absence  of  anything  else. 
To  prevent  the  attacks  use  the  sheep  dip  advised  for  scab, 
or  cut  off  the  dirty  wool  and  apply  carbolic  acid  1  part, 
water  50  parts. 

SHEEP-TICK.      HIPPOBOSCA  (mELOPHAGUS)  OVINA. 

This  is  a  dipterous  insect  degraded  by  the  non-develop- 
ment of  its  wings.     It  is  best  met  by  the  dips  advised  for 

Fig.  55. 


Fig.  55 — Sheep-Tick  with  egg.     Magnified. 

scab.  It  is  especially  important  to  dip  lambs,  after  affected 
ewes  have  been  shorn,  as  the  insects  migrate  to  the  young 
where  they  find  more  wool  to  shelter  them. 


FLEAS. 


These,  like  the  hippoboscidae,  are  wingless  diptera.  We 
have  a  variety  each  for  the  dog,  cat,  hen  and  dove,  and  in 
tropical  America  the  pulex  penetrans  or  Chigoe  whicl: 
burrows  under  the  skin  and  there  lays  its  eggs  to  bo 
hatched  out  in  the  flesh.     Persian  Insect  powder  is  one  of 


376  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tlie  best  agents  to  dust  over  the  animals  as  well  as  over 
carpets,  nigs,  etc.,  on  which,  they  have  lain  ;  or  wash  with 
the  yolks  of  eggs  and  a  teaspoonful  of  oil  of  tui'pentine  to 
each  egg ;  or  a  mixture  of  an  ounce  of  oil  of  anise-seed  and 
ten  ounces  oHve-oil  may  be  rubbed  over  the  body  and 
washed  off  with  soap  six  hours  later.     Sprinkle  the  soil 

Fig.  56. 


Fig.  56 — Cat  Flea.     Enlarged. — Verrill. 

where  the  animals  roll  mth  quicklime,  carbolic  acid,  or 
petroleum  ;  deluge  kennels  and  roosts  with  boiling  water 
and  afterward  paint  the  cracks  with  oil  of  turpentine ;  dip 
mats  or  rugs  in  boiling  water,  and  litter  the  buildings  with 
fresh  pine  shavings. 

LICE. 

These  are  degraded  wingless  hemipterous  insects. 
There  are  two  kinds :  blood-suckers  {hcemafopimis),  with 
narrow  head  and  long  trunk-like  sucking  tube  ;  and  bird- 
lice  (trichodectes),  with  very  large,  broad  head,  and  no 
sucking  tube,  but  biting  jaws. 

Of  the  blood-suckers  there  is  one  species  each  for  : — 
horse  and  ass ;  horse  and  ox ;  ox ;  goat ;  swine,  and  dog 
and  ferret. 

Of  bird-lice  there  is  a  species  each  for  : — horse  and  ass  ; 
ox  and  ass ;  sheep  ;  goat ;  dog ;  cat ;  duck,  and  goose ; 
two  for  the  peacock ;  three  for  the  turkey ;  four  for  the 
pigeon ;  and  five  for  the  hen. 


Shin  Diseases, 


377 


Fig.  67. 


Fig.  58. 


Fig.  r»9. 


Fig.  60. 


Fig.  61. 


Fig.  62. 


Fig  57— Hsematopinus  of  Horse  and  Ass.  Fig.  58 — Hsematopinus  of  Ox. 
Fig.  59— Haematopinus  of  Calf.  Fig.  60 — Hsematopinus  of  Dog.  Fig. 
61— Haematopinus  of  Pig.     Fig.  62 — Trichodectes  of  Horse. 

They  may  be  safely  treated  by  sprinkling  with  powdered 
wood  ashes  or  by  rubbing  with  sulphur  ointment  or  whale- 
oil,  with  water  saturated  with  petroleum  or  kerosene,  or 
with  a  solution  of  sulphuret  of  potassium  or  lime  (4  oz.  tc 
1  gall,  water).  Clean  the  buildings,  clothes,  etc.,  as  foi 
fleas. 


378  The  Farmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 


Fig.  63. 


F]>.  64.  Fig.  65. 


Fig.  m. 


Fig.  63  — Trichodectes  of  Ox.     Fig.  64 — Trichodectes  of  Sheep.     Fig.  65 
Trichodectes  of  Dog.     Fig.  66 — Goniodes  Stylifer  of  the  Turkey. 


EKYSrPELAS. 

A  specific,  diffase,  spreading  inflammation  of  the  skin, 
often  involving  the  loose  connective  tissue  beneath,  aud 
sometimes  the  internal  organs,  associated  with  fever,  an 
unhealthy  state  of  the  blood,  and  usually  a  poison  by  which 
it  may  be  communicated  to  another  animal  with  broken 
skin. 

Causes.  An  unhealthy  (septic,  etc.,)  condition  of  the 
atmosphere,  the  presence  of  impurities  in  the  blood,  from 
foul  air  or  food,  plethora,  exhausting  work,  debilitating 
diseases,  disorders  of  the  liver,  kidneys  or  other  blood- 
forming  or  purifying  organ,  or  the  absorption  of  putrid 


Skin  Diseases.  379 


matters  from  a  sore  or  other  diseased  surface.  Sheep, 
horses  and  swme  fed  ou  green  or  even  harvested  buck- 
wheat are  liable,  and  all  animals  kept  in  close,  filthy, 
unliealthy  places  or  in  the  vicinity  of  accumulations  ol 
decomposing  animal  and  vegetable  matters.  Sudden  sup- 
pression of  an  habitual  discharge,  heating  food,  and  new 
grain  and  forage  are  occasional  causes.  But  probably  all 
of  these  do  little  more  than  lay  the  system  open  to  the 
attack  which  would  otherwise  be  escaped.  More  direct  or 
exciting  causes  we  find  in  local  irritation, — as  exposure  to 
a  hot  sun  (newly-shorn  sheep),  chafing  inside  the  elbows 
or  thighs,  the  presence  of  rancid  fats  on  the  skin,  injuries 
from  the  harness,  bites  of  insects,  etc.,  burns,  scalds, 
wounds,  dropsies  of  the  limbs,  and  above  all  the  keeping 
of  patients  with  open  sores  where  there  is  excessive  ema- 
nation from  decomposing  organic  (especially  animal) 
matter,  or  the  dressing  of  erysipelatous  and  healthy  sores 
with  the  same  sponges. 

Symptoms.  There  is  usually  a  preliminary  fever,  loss  of 
spirit  and  appetite,  heat  of  the  skin,  accelerated  pulse  and 
breathing,  constipation,  high-colored,  scanty  urine,  and 
elevation  of  the  temperature  of  the  rectum,  soon  followed 
by  a  diffuse,  hot,  tender,  shining,  itching  swelling,  spread- 
ing from  a  wound  or  other  seat  of  irritation  or  even  on  a 
previously  healthy  skin.  In  white  skins  the  redness  is 
YQrj  deep,  the  shade  being  darker  according  to  the  gravity 
of  the  case,  and  disappearing  under  the  pressure  of  the 
finger  only  to  reappear  quickly  on  its  removal.  The 
swelling  will  be  greater,  according  as  the  inflammation 
involves  the  skin  only,  extends  to  the  connective  tissue 
beneath  (phlegmonous),  or  is  complicated  by  a  liquid  exu- 
dation (oedematous).  It  shows  a  tendency  to  wide  and 
rapid  diffasion  over  the  skin,  its  advancing  border  being 
always  abruptly  elevated  from  the  healthy  integument, 
though  at  points  where  it  is  recovering  it  may  subside 
gradually  and  insensibly  to  the  healthy  surface.  The 
inflamed  skin  is  tense  and  smooth,  but  pits  on  pressure, 


oSO  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  often  presents  vesicles  on  its  surface.  After  a  few 
days  the  swelling  and  redness  may  diminish,  and  the 
blisters  dry  up  into  scales,  which  drop  off,  leaving  a  da'rk, 
red,  tender  surface ;  or  cracks  may  form  with  a  sluggish, 
unhealthy  action  and  httle  tendency  to  heal.  When  mat- 
ter forms  it  is  liable  to  be  diffused  without  any  limiting 
membrane  as  in  an  ordinary  abscess,  and  to  lead  to  exten- 
sive death  and  sloughing  of  the  skin  and  subjacent 
structures,  or  to  absorption  of  pus  and  its  deposit  in 
internal  organs,  with  fatal  results. 

In  horses  it  is  seen  mainly  about  the  head,  chest,  belly 
and  hind  limbs,  and  is  especially  liable  to  prove  oedema- 
tous.  It  is  distinguished  from  Anthrax  and  Purpura 
Hcemorrhagica  by  the  presence  of  the  wound  or  sore,  by 
the  low  inflammatory  character  of  the  swelling,  by  the 
greater  tendency  to  suppuration,  and  the  impKcation 
of  the  adjacent  lymphatic  glands. 

Cattle  suffer  especially  about  the  head  but  also  on  other 
parts  of  the  body.  Sheep  suffer  mainly  about  the  head, 
but  often  and  more  severely  about  the  udder,  belly  and 
inner  side  of  the  thigh  or  arm,  and  it  may  be  elsewhere. 

Swine  are  mainly  attacked  about  the  head  and  neck, 
and  less  frequently  on  the  inner  side  of  the  limbs,  the 
chest  or  belly. 

Treatment,  Open  the  bowels  freely  (horse,  ox  and 
sheep,  Glauber  salts ;  swine  and  dog,  castor-oil,)  following 
it  up  by  frequent  and  full  doses  of  tincture  of  muriate  of 
iron  and  a  nourishing,  easily  digested  diet.  In  case  of 
much  weakness  or  with  very  low  fever  use  stimulants,  al- 
coholic or  ammoniacal  as  they  may  be  demanded,  but 
never  if  they  cause  dryness  of  skin  and  rise  of  temperature. 
Diuretics  may  be  used  in  a3dematous  cases,  but  in  a 
guarded  manner  because  of  the  depression.  To  the  af- 
fected skin  apply  warm  fomentations,  by  preference,  with 
weak  solutions  of  tincture  of  muriate  of  iron,  hyposulphite 
of  soda  or  sulphate  of  zinc.  Sometimes  dry  applications 
have  a  good  effect, — as  a  mixture  of  sulphate  of  zinc  and 


Skin  Diseases.  381 


starch.  Iodized  collodion  too  is  often  of  service.  If  mat- 
ter has  actually  formed  it  should  be  let  out  with  the  lancet, 
the  wound  being  dressed  with  a  solution  of  muriate  of 
iron  to  prevent  unhealthy  action. 

WOUNDS. 

These  are  divided  into  simiole  dean  cuts  (incised),  stdbs^ 
pticks  and  punctures  (punctured),  bruised  or  crushed  (con- 
tused) and  torn  (lacerated).  Glean  cuts  often  heal  readily 
when  the  edges  are  brought  together  accurately  and  re- 
tained so.  But  such  union  by  adhesion  is  most  probable 
in  strong,  healthy,  well-conditioned  animals,  and  least  so 
In  the  weak,  poor  and  diseased.  In  folds  it  is  almost  in- 
variable, in  sicine  nearly  equally  so,  in  dogs,  cattle  and 
sJwep  there  is  still  a  strong  tendency  to  adhesion,  while  in 
horses  all  wounds  readily  form  matter  and  primary  adhe- 
sion throughout  is  exceptional.  Bleeding  should  be 
checked^  (see  wounds  of  arteries,  etc.,)  clot«  washed  ojff 
with  a  stream  of  tepid  water,  foreign  objects  carefully  re- 
moved with  fingers  or  forceps  and  the  wound  closed  with 
as  little  exposure  as  possible.  The  edges  may  be  stitched 
together  by  means  of  a  curved  flat  needle  with  silk  or 
linen,  well  waxed  or  steeped  in  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic 
acid,  or  better,  with  catgut  which  has  been  steeped  for  a 
month  in  oil  and  carbolic  acid,  or  with  silver  or  other 
metallic  wire.  It  may  be  closed  by  a  continuous  stitch 
as  in  sewing  a  glove,  when  adhesion  is  to  be  expected,  or 
by  separate  stitches  a  half  to  three-fourths  of  an  inch 
apart  when  primary  union  is  more  doubtful.  To  secure 
uniform  approximation  of  the  edges  or  pressure  on  the 
different  parts,  the  stitches  may  be  passed  round  a  quill 
placed  on  each  lip  of  the  wound  (quilled  suture).  Or  puis 
may  be  passed  through  the  lips  at  suitable  distances  and 
a  few  fibres  of  tow  twisted  around  each  like  the  figure  8. 
Small  wounds  may  have  their  edges  shaved  and  layer 
after  layer  of  collodion  applied  until  the  covering  is  strong 
enough  to  hold  them  together.     The  use  of  a  weak  solution 


382  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

of  carbolic  acid  or  other  antiseptic  agent  will  further  favoi 
adhesion  if  it  can  be  applied  without  causing  movement 
of  the  Ups  of  the  wound. 

If  the  wound  fails  to  heal  by  prompt  adhesion,  granula- 
iioiis  form,  covered  with  a  thin  layer  of  pus,  and  these 
gradually  fill  up  the  sore,  leaving  a  scar.  Or  if  the  lips 
of  the  wound  are  still  kept  together  the  granulations  may 
adhere  (secondary  adhesion),  or  finally  smaU  sores  will 
SGcib  over  and  healing  take  place  beneath. 

Granulating  wounds  may  be  washed  daily  with  a  stream 
of  tepid  water,  after  the  three  first  days,  and  may  be 
covered  with  a  simple  dressing  of  tow  saturated  in  water 
or  oil  to  which  a  Httle  carbohc  acid  has  been  added. 
When  necessarily  left  bare  the  same  hquids  may  stiU  be 
applied.  When  the  granulations  become  soft,  flabby  and 
projecting  {'proud  flesh) ^  touch  lightly  with  a  stick  of  lunar 
caustic,  and  expose  to  dry  air.  When  they  become  indo- 
lent and  when  healing  and  contraction  come  to  a  stand-still, 
apply  gentle  stimulants — tincture  of  myrrh  and  aloes,  etc. 
When  the  deeper  parts  of  the  hps  of  the  wound  do  not 
come  in  contact,  pads  may  be  appHed  on  each  side  to  keep 
them  in  apposition.  Granulating  wounds  usually  heal  by 
contraction  from  their  edges,  and  if  this  is  arrested  by  ad- 
hesion to  bones  and  other  firm  parts  beneath,  further 
healing  may  be  impossible.  In  this  and  other  cases  of 
tardy  healing,  the  implanting  of  thin  slices  of  scarfskin, 
just  cut  with  a  sharp  instrument  from  other  parts  of  the 
integument,  and  their  retention  with  strips  of  sticking 
plaster,  will  usually  hasten  the  process. 

Punctured  ioowkIs  often  heal  promptly,  and  especially  in 
animals  prone  to  primary  adhesion,  when  cleansed,  kept 
at  rest,  with  warm  dressings  and  pressure  on  their  deeper 
parts.  If  inflammation  occurs  in  the  deeper  parts  with 
suppuration,  it  may  be  necessary  to  enlarge  the  opening 
to  allow  of  a  ready  discharge,  and  to  let  it  heal  outward 
by  granulation. 

Bruised  and  torn  wounds  may  be  treated  like  punctured 


Skin  Diseases.  383 


ones,  and  in  birds,  pigs  and  dogs,  and  in  the  more  vasculai 
parts  of  the  larger  animals,  will  often  heal  by  adhesion. 
Should  they  fail  to  do  so,  they  ought  to  be  stitched  together, 
not  too  closely,  and  allowed  to  heal  by  granulation.  Parts 
that  are  absolutely  dead  may  be  removed,  but  none  that 
continue  to  show  signs  of  life,  and  above  all,  no  skin  that 
can  possibly  be  saved. 

Poisoned  luounds  should  be  promptly  cauterized  {See 
Canine  madness^  3Ialignant  anthrax ,  Lymphangitis).  Suh- 
aiitaneous  looundsj  in  which  the  deeper  parts  are  injured 
with  little  or  no  breach  of  the  skin,  mostly  heal  satisfac- 
torily, and  the  main  object  should  be  to  secure  a  suitable 
position  of  the  part,  lest  distortion  should  occur  from 
undue  contraction  or  extension  of  the  structures  in  healing. 
For  wounds  that  have  resulted  in  fistula,  see  poll  evil,  fist- 
vlous  mithers  and  quittor.  Whenever  a  foreign  body  is 
lodged  in  a  wound  it  should  be  removed  because  of  its 
tendency  to  caMseJistula,  especially  in  horses. 

BURNS  AND  SCALDS. 

The  gravity  of  these  will  vary  much  according  to  their 
extent  and  depth.  The  treatment  of  the  more  severe 
is  rarely  desirable  in  the  lower  animals,  because  of  the 
danger  of  fatal  results  from  internal  compHcations;  or  of 
ruinous  distortions  from  the  contraction  of  cicatrices. 
For  slight  burns  apply  cold  water,  Goulard  water,  water 
perceptibly  sweetened  with  carbolic  acid  or  flavored  with 
oil  of  turpentine,  keeping  this  up  until  the  violent  pain 
and  inflammation  have  subsided.  Success  attends  the 
exclusion  of  air  by  covering  the  part  thickly  with  flour  or 
cotton  wool  until  irritation  is  past.  The  same  end  is 
gained  by  bathing  the  burn  with  oil  of  turpentine  and 
afterward  covering  with  resin  ointment.  When  large 
bHsters  have  formed,  puncture  with  a  needle  and  smooth 
down  the  cuticle  on  the  skin  by  gentle  pressure,  following 
up  with  the  soothing  measures  already  recommended. 
When  the  skin  is  still  more  deeply  burned  and  sloughing 


88-1  The  Farmer  s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

is  inevitable,  the  stimulating  applications  (oil  of  turpen- 
tine with  resin  ointment,  equal  parts  of  linseed-oil  and 
lime-water,  etc.,)  are  still  more  demanded.  As  the  sloughs 
separate,  the  detached  parts  should  be  cit  off  with  as  little 
UTitation  as  possible,  and  when  the  severe  irritation  sub- 
sides soothing  applications  will  be  in  order.  Finally,  the 
heahng  process  will  be  greatly  hastened  by  ingrafting  thin 
slices  of  scarfskin  as  advised  under  wounds. 


CHAPTER   XVIIL 

GENERAL  DISEASES  OF  BONES,    JOINTS  AND 
MUSCLES. 

Lameness,  symptoms,  at  rest  and  in  exercise.  Diseases  of  Bones.  In- 
flammation. Ostitis.  Periostitis.  Softening.  Enlargement.  Suppura- 
tion, Ulceration.  Scrofulous  (Tubercular)  Disease  of  Bone.  Softening 
and  Rarefaction  of  Bone.  Rickets.  Osteo  Malacia.  Softening  in  Cows. 
Softening  in  Horses.  Big-head.  Fractures.  Diseases  of  Joints.  Inflam- 
mation. Arthritis.  Synovitis.  Ulceration.  Bony  Deposit.  Anchylosis. 
Open  Joint.  Inflammation  of  Bursse  and  Sheaths  of  Tendons.  Diseases 
of  Muscles.  Ruptures.  Inflammation.  Fatty  Degeneration.  Rupture 
and  Section  of  Tendons.  Sprains.  Thickening.  Shortening.  Calcifica 
tion. 

LAMENESS. 

As  the  three  following  chapters  will  embrace  most  of  the 
different  causes  of  lameness,  the  more  prominent  mani- 
festations of  this  faihng  may  be  here  noticed. 

Standing.  The  patient  should  be  approached  quietly 
and  when  you  are  certain  he  is  fi*ee  from  all  exciting 
causes.  If  resting  on  all  four  limbs,  the  pastern  of  the 
lame  one  will  usually  be  more  upright  than  the  others. 
One  fore  foot  advanced  eight  or  ten  inches  in  front  of  the 
other  suggests  some  tenderness  of  the  heel  or  the  struct- 
ures in  the  posterior  region  of  the  lower  part  of  the  limb. 
Bending  of  the  knee  and  fetlock  and  resting  of  the  foot  on 
the  toe,  wdthout  any  advance  in  front  of  the  other,  usually 
impUes  disease  of  the  shoulder  or  elbow.  The  advance 
of  both  fore  feet,  the  rest  being  taken  on  the  heels,  and 
the  hind  limbs  brought  well  forward  under  the  body, 
should  direct  attention  to  the  front  of  the  feet.     Resting 


oSC)  The  Farmer'^s  Veterinary  Adviser, 

of  one  foot  more  frequently  and  for  longer  periods  than 
its  felloAV  is  suspicions. 

Lnji'iig.  An  inclination  to  lie  down,  and  remain  so,  is  to 
be  similarly  regarded.  If  tlie  animal  remains  down  per- 
sistently, we  may  infer  great  suffering,  fractures  or  much 
weakness. 

In  Exercise.  Lameness  may  be  shown  in  the  walk,  but 
better  in  the  slow,  easy  trot,  the  animal  being  led  in  hand 
with  about  three  feet  of  free  rein  and  without  noise  or 
other  cause  of  excitement.  Some  horses  manifest  a  bridle 
lameness  from  the  mere  leading,  but  if  the  leader  goes 
first  on  the  left  side  and  then  on  the  right,  the  drooping 
of  the  head  will  correspond  first  to  the  one  foot  and  then 
to  the  other,  showing  it  to  be  only  a  feint.  In  all  cases 
of  lameness  in  a  single  Hmb  the  foot  is  rested  on  the 
ground  with  less  weight  and  is  raised  as  quickly  as  possi- 
ble. There  is  therefore  not  only  the  visible  halting  on 
that  limb,  but  a  lower  sound  made  by  striking  the  gi-ound 
and  thus  the  ear  comes  to  assist  the  eye  in  detecting  the 
ailing  member.  If  one  fore  limb  is  affected,  the  head  and 
anterior  part  of  the  body  are  elevated  when  its  foot  comes 
to  the  ground,  but  drop  firmly  when  the  sound  foot  is 
planted.  A  depression  of  the  opposite  hind  limb  accom- 
panying the  elevation  of  the  head,  when  the  failing  fore 
limb  comes  to  the  ground,  must  not  lead  to  the  suspicion 
of  lameness  behind. 

In  single  lameness  behind,  the  gait  resembles  that  seen 
in  lameness  before,  the  haunch  on  the  diseased  side  being 
raised  when  the  foot  is  planted  and  allowed  to  droop 
thereafter  until  the  opposite  foot  reaches  the  ground.  In 
some,  the  elevation  is  the  prominent  feature,  in  others  the 
depression,  but  in  all  the  rising  and  falling  are  greater 
than  in  the  opposite  quarter. 

With  lameness  in  both  fore  limbs  the  step  is  short,  the 
stroke  on  the  ground  weak,  the  rest  of  each  foot  on  the 
ground  shortened,  the  shoulders  are  carried  upright  and 
stiff,  the  head  is  raised,  the  loins  are  arched,  the  croup 


General  Diseases  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.  387 

droops,  and  the  hind  limbs  are  brought  unnaturally  for 
ward  beneath  the  belly. 

Lameness  in  both  hind  Hmbs  is  marked  by  the  back- 
ward position  of  the  fore  feet,  the  short  rest  and  weak 
impulse  of  the  hind  on  the  ground,  the  extension  and 
di-ooping  of  the  head,  and  above  all  the  difficulty  of  back- 
ing. 

Lameness  in  the  two  hmbs  on  the  same  side  determines 
a  gait  approaching  the  amhle  or  rctck^  with  the  firm  plant- 
ing of  the  opposite  members.  Lameness  of  one  fore  and 
the  opposite  hind  produces  a  simple  exaggeration  of  the 
gait  caused  by  disease  in  one  of  these  Hmbs.  When  the 
cause  of  lameness  exists  in  more  than  one  limb  it  is  diffi- 
cult to  make  the  aniinal  keep  the  trot. 

In  all  cases  it  is  well  to  have  the  animal  driven  or 
ridden  so  as  to  heat  him,  and  then  keep  him  perfectly 
still  for  half  an  hour  to  cool,  before  completing  the  exam- 
ination, as  many  lamenesses  will  disappear  when  the 
subject  is  warmed  by  exercise. 

DISEASES  OF  B  ONES. 

These  may  be  divided  into  : — inflammation  of  the  bone 
itseK  (ostitis),  or  of  its  fibrous  covering  {periostitis),  which 
may  result  in  softening,  consolidation  or  iriduration,  enlarge- 
ment, bony  groiuths  and  tumors,  abscess,  ulceration  and  death 
(necrosis).  Beside  these  there  are  the  degenerations  and 
diseases  of  bone  such  as  deficiency  or  excess  of  earthy  salts, 
with  bending  or  brittleness  of  the  bones ;  tubercle,  cancer, 
and  sarcomatotis,  cartilaginous,  cystic,  vascular  or  other  tu- 
mors, etc. 

But  the  gi'eat  mass  of  bone  diseases  in  the  domestic 
animals  consist  in  inflammation  and  its  results,  to  which, 
accordingly,  the  following  remarks  will  be  mainly  con- 
fined. Every  bone  is  permeated  even  in  its  densest  parts 
by  an  abundant  network  of  minute  blood-vessels,  and 
studded  throughout  with  microscopic  soft  elements  (nu- 
clei"^ which  appropriate  the  suitable  materials  from  the 


388  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

blood  and  build  them  up  into  the  hard  bony  texture.  li 
these  nuclei  are  injured  their  powers  of  assimilation  are 
modified,  their  numbers  are  multipHed,  and  they  become 
surrounded  by  an  excess  of  semi-fluid  matter  (lymph) 
with,  it  may  be,  one  of  the  follomng  results : — 1st,  the 
softening  of  the  bone  and  the  removal  of  its  earthy  salts, 
until  it  can  be  cut  with  a  knife  or  gives  way  under  the 
weight  of  the  animal: — 2d,  the  transformation  of  the 
lymph  into  pus  on  the  surface  of  the  bone  or  in  its  interior, 
where  it  may  remain  imprisoned  for  an  indefinite  length 
of  time  : — 3d,  the  hardening  of  a  limited  amount  of  lymph 
in  the  cells  or  inter-spaces  of  the  bone,  compressing  the 
blood-vessels,  limiting  the  supply  of  blood  and  favoring 
ulceration  or  even  death  of  the  part : — 4th,  from  the  above 
cause,  or  from  a  perversion  of  the  plastic  or  assimilating 
powers  of  the  nuclei,  ulceration  sets  in  on  the  surface 
or  in  the  interior  of  the  bone,  and  the  bony  matter  is 
steadily  removed  to  be  replaced  by  an  irregular  excavation 
or  a  cavity  filled  by  a  bloody  ichor : — 5th,  the  swelling 
may  completely  close  the  blood-vessels  of  the  bone  or  the 
inflammation  may  cause  coagulation  of  the  blood  within 
them  throughout  a  considerable  portion,  which  accord- 
ingly dies,  and  has  to  be  removed  as  a  foreign  body  : — 
6th,  short  of  those  extreme  conditions  and  more  com- 
monly, the  exudation  leads  to  a  partial  softening  and 
general  swelling  of  the  inflamed  part,  and  this  becoming 
consolidated  and  hardened  there  is  a  material  increase  of 
size  : — 7th,  and  by  far  the  most  frequently,  the  inflamma- 
tion affects  the  superficial  layer  of  bone  and  its  investing 
fibrous  membrane,  and  the  exudation,  taking  place  be- 
tween these,  is  soon  consolidated  into  a  layer  or  tumor  of 
bone  on  the  surface  : — 8th,  any  exudation  on  the  outer 
side  of  the  fibrous  covering  is  also  Hable  to  be  calcified 
and  to  form  hard  tumors,  but  these  do  not  acquu'e  the 
true  bony  texture  like  that  formed  between  the  membrane 
and  the  bone. 

General  Symptoms.     In  the  slightest  forms  of  inflamma 


General  Diseases  ofBones^  Joints  and  Muscles.  389 

tion  there  may  be  little  or  no  lameness,  though  usually 
there  is  a  halt  on  the  affected  limb  when  trotted  on  a  hard 
surface.  The  affected  portion  of  the  bone  is  tender  to 
pressure  or  percussion,  and  is  the  seat  of  swelling  at  first 
soft  and  yielding,  but  later  hard  and  resistant.  In  the 
severer  forms  the  bone  itseK  is  softened,  extensive  exuda- 
tion of  lymph  takes  place  around  it,  and  the  investing  soft 
structures  become  the  seat  of  violent  inflammation  and 
swelling ;  lameness  is  then  extreme.  In  the  sHghter  and 
chronic  cases  there  is  no  disturbance  of  the  general  health, 
but  in  the  more  acute  and  severe,  intense  and  even  fatal 
irritative  fever  may  come  on. 

When  suppuration  takes  place  in  the  interior  of  a  bone 
the  matter  may  remain  imprisoned  indefinitely,  the  spot 
being  marked  by  a  general  increase  of  the  bone,  and  lame- 
ness persists.  If  suppuration  takes  place  between  the 
bone  and  its  fibrous  covering  the  danger  is  even  greater, 
for  the  matter  is  liable  to  separate  the  bone  and  mem- 
brane, producing  further  inflammation  or  ulceration,  or 
even  death  of  the  bone — the  supply  of  blood  being  cut  off. 
The  superficial  abscess  is  to  be  detected  by  its  fluctuation 
beneath  the  fingers,  as  in  abscess  of  soft  parts. 

Ulceration  may  result  from  pressure  of  matter,  etc.,  or 
from  exposure  to  the  air.  If  without  external  opening,  it  is 
not  easily  recognized,  but  there  is  lameness  and  tenderness, 
with  little  alteration  of  the  surface  of  the  bone,  or  the 
presence  of  slight  bony  deposits  alternating,  it  may  be, 
with  soft  open  spaces.  If  the  ulcerated  bone  is  open  to 
the  air,  it  is  found  to  be  softened  in  texture,  breaking  down 
readily  imder  the  pressure  of  a  probe,  and  in  the  centre  of 
the  ulcerous  cavity  rounded  bony  deposits  are  felt,  as 
evidence  of  an  effort  at  repair.  The  discharge  is  then 
ichorous,  and  abounds  in  gritty  particles  and  earthy  salts. 
If  this  discharge  has  commenced  to  decompose  it  smells 
badly. 

Death  of  bone  is  always  associated  with  an  open  sore 
discharging  a  very  foetid  ichorous  fluid,  with  giitty  parti- 


390        The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

cles  and  the  power  of  rapidly  blackening  silver.  If  probed 
the  hard  bone  is  felt  without  any  fibrous  covering,  and 
if  seen  this  is  black,  yellowish,  white,  or  of  some  allied 
shade  and  without  any  of  the  pink  aspect  of  healthy  bone 
General  Treatinent  of  Inflammation  in  Bone.  Unless  in 
tlie  very  mildest  cases,  the  first  object  is  to  check  the  in- 
flammation by  soothing  measures.  A  purgative  is  usually 
desirable.  Kest  is  indispensable.  Whenever  possible 
such  a  position  should  be  given  to  the  part  as  will  obviate 
pressure,  weight,  or  gravitation  of  blood  toward  the  dis- 
ease. Soothing  local  measures,  such  as  fomentations  with 
warm  water ;  a  thick  wet  bandage  covered  with  dry  ;  the 
persistent  application  of  cold  water,  by  continuous  shower- 
ing of  the  part,  the  water  being  brought  from  a  bucket 
placed  at  a  higher  level,  by  means  of  an  elastic  tube 
fastened  to  the  body ;  in  certain  cases  ice-bags  may  be 
applied ;  or  cooling  astringent  lotions,  such  as  vinegar  and 
salt ;  acetate  of  lead  ^  oz.,  vinegar  2  qts.,  carbolic  acid  60 
drops,  etc.  This  may  have  to  be  kept  up  from  five  to  fif- 
teen days.  When  heat  and  tenderness  have  subsided, 
counter-irritants  are  to  be  used.  In  sHght  cases  rubbing 
with  compound  iodine  ointment,  or  with  a  mixture  in  equal 
parts  of  liquor  ammonia  and  olive-oil  may  suffice.  In 
others  we  must  use  active  blisters  such  as  Spanish  flies 
2  dr.,  camphor  5  grs.,  alcohol  5  drops,  lard  1  oz.  Or  a 
drachm  of  the  Spanish  flies  may  be  replaced  by  a  drachm 
of  iodide  or  biniodide  of  mercury.  In  either  case  the  hair 
should  be  cut  off  and  the  ointment  well  rubbed  in  for 
several  minutes  against  the  direction  of  the  hair.  Th& 
animal's  head  should  be  tied  short  for  twelve  hours,  to 
prevent  gnawing  of  the  part  and  blistering  of  the  lips. 
After  this  the  surface  is  to  be  smeared  with  lard,  daily, 
until  the  scab  drops  off.  In  still  other  cases  the  hot  iron 
may  be  demanded.  It  should  be  applied  in  points,  each 
application  being  very  temporary,  to  avoid  the  effect  of 
radiated  heat  on  the  adjacent  skin.  The  usual  distance 
between  the  points  is  from  ^  to  f  inch,  and  the  depth  wiU 


General  Diseases  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.  391 

vary  in  different  cases.  Wlien  the  irritation  from  the  hot 
iron  has  passed  off,  blisters  may  be  applied  if  necessary. 

In  all  cases  the  use  of  counter-irritants  must  be  stopped 
and  soothing  measures  resorted  to  when  it  becomes  evident 
that  active  inflammation  has  been  set  up  anew  in  the  bone. 
A  long  period  of  rest  is  essential  to  allow  of  the  hardening 
of  the  newly  formed  bony  tissue  or  of  the  old  bone  which 
has  been  softened  or  otherwise  altered  by  disease. 

flatter  forming  in  the  interior  of  a  bone  is  to  be  evacu- 
ated by  boring  down  to  it  with  a  circular  saw  (trephine). 
Matter  forming  between  the  bone  and  its  investing  mem- 
brane must  be  promptly  evacuated  with  a  sharp  knife  or 
lancet. 

Simple  ulcerction  is  to  be  treated  like  an  ordinary  wound, 
the  pressure  or  other  cause  of  its  existence  having  been 
first  removed.  A  nourishing  diet  and  a  course  of  tonics 
(cinchona,  gentian,  etc.,)  are  usually  demanded. 

A  dead  hone  should  be  removed.  K  a  simple  scale  or 
film  on  the  surface,  it  may  be  taken  off  with  a  sharp  knife 
or  chisel.  If  larger  the  bone-forceps  or  saw  may  be 
necessary.  It  may  sometimes  be  needful  to  remove  a 
piece  of  live  bone  with  the  circular  saw,  to  make  way  for 
the  extraction  of  a  dead  portion  imprisoned  within. 
Should  the  outer  fibrous  covering  of  the  bone  be  preserved 
intact,  new  bone  may  be  formed  in  place  of  the  old,  but 
never  so  perfect  in  form,  and,  as  a  rule,  the  extensive  loss 
of  an  important  bone,  in  one  of  the  lower  animals,  renders 
it  useless  and  should  warrant  its  destruction. 

In  no  case  should  a  cutting  operation  on  a  bone  be 
undertaken  while  the  soft  parts  around  it  are  in  a  state  ol 
acute  inflammation,  as,  although  the  diseased  or  dead 
parts  should  be  removed,  the  adjacent  bone  is  likely  to 
take  on  unhealthy  action  and  to  prove  worse  than  at 
first. 

In  case  of  new  bony  deposits  and  tumors,  it  is  rarely 
desirable  to  resort  to  cutting  instruments,  unless  when 
they  have  a  broad  mass  and  narrow  neck,  connecting 


The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


tliem  to  the  parent  bone.  In  this  case  they  can  be  hiid 
bare  and  removed  with  bone  forceps  or  chisel.  Other 
forms  are  best  left  to  nature  after  all  unhealthy  action  has 
been  subdued,  and  will  materially  diminish  when  preserved 
from  hard  work,  strains,  jars  and  all  excitants  to  renewed 
gi'owth.  When  continuous  gentle  pressure  can  be  applied 
without  irritation  it  greatly  favors  absorption.  In  some 
instances  the  distension  of  the  fibrous  membrane  covering 
a  bony  swelling  is  the  main  cause  of  continued  inflamma- 
tion and  lameness.  This  is  to  be  met  by  dividing  the 
membrane  with  a  narrow-bladed  knife  inserted  to  one 
side  of  the  swelling,  much  care  being  requisite  to  avoid 
entrance  of  air,  injury  to  joints,  etc. 

SCROFULOUS  (tuberculous)  DISEASE  OP  BONES. 

This  is  mostly  seen  in  young  animals  when  the  bones 
are  soft  and  growing  rapidly,  and  may  be  suspected  when 
the  patient  comes  of  a  tuberculous  family.  It  Avill  attack 
any  part  but  is  especially  common  in  the  lower  part  of  the 
limbs  and  is  one  form  of  ^^fovl  in  ilie  footr  It  attacks  the 
ends  of  long  bones  or  the  whole  bulk  of  short  ones,  those 
parts,  in  short,  which  have  an  open  cancellated  texture. 
The  interspaces  of  the  bony  tissue  fill  up  with  gelatinoid 
lymph,  which  may  or  may  not  pass  into  the  yellow  cheesy 
tubercle,  and  similar  changes  take  place  on  the  surface, 
long  outgrowths  appearing,  the  interstices  of  which  are 
filled  by  the  same  product.  Ulceration  ensues,  sores  form 
in  the  skin,  discharging  an  unhealthy  matter,  the  softened 
bony  tissues  may  be  felt  breaking  down  under  a  probe, 
and  the  ends  or  processes  of  the  bones  may  be  found  de- 
tached from  the  shaft  or  median  part. 

There  may  be  coexisting  tubercle  in  the  lungs,  bow(jls, 
etc.,  with  cough,  expectoration,  diarrhoea,  etc.,  and  some- 
times in  young  animals  the  navel  remains  open  and  the 
iirine  dribbles  from  it  continually. 

Treatment  is  hardly  advisable  as  tuberculous  animals 
are  undesii*able  alike  for  breeding  or  for  human  food.     It 


General  Diseases  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  393 

consists  in  securing  a  good  nnrse,  well  fed  on  grain  as  well 
as  fodder  if  the  patient  is  young,  or  good  feeding  if  be- 
yond this  stage.  Lime-water  in  the  sucking,  and  in  aU 
subjects  tonics  (phosphate  of  iron,  hyposulphite  of  iron, 
cinchona,  cod-liver  oil,  pancreatine,  etc.) 

SOFTENING  AND  RAEEFACTION  OF  BONE. 

KiCKETS.  Young  animals  (puppies,  sheep,  calves  and, 
less  frequently,  foals,)  often  suffer  from  an  imperfect  nu- 
trition of  the  bones,  with  a  deficiency  of  earthy  salts,  so 
that  the  bones,  especially  those  of  the  limbs,  bend  under 
the  weight  of  the  animal  and  assume  various  unsightly 
distortions.  The  affection  runs  hereditarily  in  certain  fam- 
ilies, and  its  appearance  is  often  determined  by  insuffi- 
cient, excessive  or  injurious  food,  such  as  poor,  sour  or 
fevered  milk  or  inadequate  substitutes.  Anything  that 
undermines  the  general  health  will  develop  it  in  a  predis- 
posed subject.  The  malady  may  usually  be  checked  by  a 
change  to  rich  or  moderate  feeding,  as  the  case  may  de- 
mand, a  dose  of  pepsin  wine  at  each  meal,  with  dry  warm 
auy  sleeping  places  and  access  to  the  open  air,  sunshine 
and  gentle  exercise.  Puppies  may  have  bones  to  gnaw  at 
will.  In  cases  of  severe  threatened  distortion  much  ben- 
efit may  be  derived  from  support  by  well-padded  bandages. 

Softening  of  Bones  in  Dairy  Cows.  This  resembles 
rickets  in  its  dependence  on  the  nature  of  the  food,  but 
appears  only  in  breeding  cows.  It  is  a  disease  of  poor 
sandy  and  gravelly  soils,  the  vegetation  of  which  is  defi- 
cient in  earthy  salts,  and  even  on  these  is  shown  only  after 
a  dry  season  when  the  fodder  is  at  its  worst.  Diseases  of 
digestion  and  assimilation  will  also,  exceptionally,  deter- 
mine it.  The  parts  that  primarily  suffer  are  the  bones  of 
the  haunch,  the  disease  resembling  in  this  respect  the  osteo 
mahcia  of  women  who  have  borne  children. 

Symptoms.  Lameness,  difficulty  in  rising,  with  some 
alteration  of  form  in  the  quarters  are  the  first  signs,  and 
an  examination  of  the  pelvic  bones  by  the  oiled  hand  in- 


894  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

troducod  througli  tlie  rectum  will  detect  a  want  of  sym- 
metry on  the  two  sides,  from  bulging,  irregular  swellings 
at  different  points.  In  more  advanced  stages  the  bones 
break  and  crumble  under  the  body's  weight  and  the  ani- 
mal remains  constantly  down,  unable  to  rise.  A  depraved 
appetite  and  a  tendency  to  eat  all  sorts  of  unnatural  ob- 
jects, though  a  common  sjnnptom  in  breeding  cows,  is  ex- 
cessive in  many  of  these  cases,  and  the  patient  mostly 
loses  flesh  rapidly,  though  some  will  remain  fat  for  a 
length  of  time. 

Treatment.  Change  the  locality  to  one  with  a  richer 
fodder  or  bring  the  wholesome  fodder  to  the  animals,  and 
add,  liberally,  grain  (barley,  maize,  oats,  beans,)  from 
sound  locahties.  Fresh  air,  sunshine  and  dry  resting 
places  are  all  important.  Avoid  breeding  again  until 
health  is  fully  estabhshed,  or  better,  fatten  for  the  butcher. 

Softening  of  Bones  in  Horses.  The  hig-head  of  the 
Mississippi  valley,  is  a  manifestation  of  a  general  fault  in 
nutrition,  showing  itself  in  all  the  bones  of  the  body  more 
or  less.  Like  the  affec'non  of  cows  it  consists  in  a  steady 
increase  of  the  canals  and  cavities  in  bone,  with  their  con- 
tained soft  or  plastic  matter,  at  the  expense  of  the  hard 
bony  structure.  With  the  continuous  enlargement  of  the 
bone  there  is  an  extreme  thinning  of  the  microscopic  bony 
plates,  until  the  structure  can  be  easily  cut  with  a  knife 
or  crushed  under  the  pressure  of  the  finger.  The  inter- 
spaces are  filled  by  a  red  bloody  mass,  with  the  natural 
elements  more  or  less  modified  and  the  addition  of  many 
spherical  cells,  or  later  of  fat.  As  the  disease  advances 
the  bones  can  no  longer  afford  a  firm  attachment  for  the 
ligaments  and  tendons,  but  crumbling,  dislocations  and 
fi"actures  are  inevitable.  There  is  some  fundamental 
fault  in  assimilation,  and  though  it  may  be  determined 
primarily  to  the  face  by  the  hard  work  of  grinding  flinty 
maize,  or  its  development  may  be  precipitated  by  pooi 
feeding,  unwholesome  stabling,  overwork  and  abuse,  yet 
its  true  primary  cause  is  unknown.  It  is  mainly  or  alto- 
gether a  disease  of  early  life,  under  seven  years  old. 


General  Diseases  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.  395 

Treatment  should  be  directed  to  the  improvement  of 
the  general  health  by  tonics,  (cinchona,  mix  vomica,  cas- 
carilla,  boneset,  willow  bark,  myrrh,  oxide  of  iron,  phos- 
phate of  iron,  etc.,)  carminatives,  (ginger,  pimento,  fennel, 
fcx'nugrec,  cardamoms,  coriander,)  pepsin,  sound  nutritions 
food,  (given  soft-boiled  or  steamed  if  necessary)  pure  air, 
exercise  in  sunshine,  grooming,  etc.)  No  good  can  be  ex- 
pected of  advanced  cases,  but  only  of  those  seen  in  the 
3arly  stage,  with  some  stiffness,  and  swelling  of  bone,  and 
the  passage  of  phosphates,  to  excess,  in  the  urine. 

FRACTURES. 

These  are  simple  when  a  bone  is  broken  across  ;  commi- 
nuted when  broken  into  several  pieces  ;  and  compound  when 
the  soft  parts  are  torn  so  as  to  establish  a  communication 
between  the  broken  ends  and  the  external  air.  The  two 
last  are  extremely  dangerous,  but  the  first  is  more  hopeful. 
Simple  fractures,  however,  vary  in  gravity  according  to 
their  kind.  Thus  in  the  very  young  the  break  is  Hable  to 
be  imperfect,  with  a  number  of  pointed  processes  locking 
into  each  other  {greenstick  fracture)  and  as  the  ends  are 
easily  and  accurately  replaced  and  the  bones  soft  and 
vascular,  repair  is  prompt  and  perfect.  In  others  the 
break  is  directly  and  smoothly  across,  or  with  indentations 
and  processes,  so  that  when  the  ends  are  placed  in  appo- 
sition they  cannot  slide  past  each  other ;  these  too  are 
easily  repaired.  A  third  class  are  broken  obhquely  or  with 
a  bevel,  so  that  the  broken  surfaces  slide  upon  each  other 
under  the  contractions  of  the  muscles,  and  the  sharp  ends 
are  continually  jerked  into  the  soft  parts  around.  The 
continuous  movement  prevents  union  and  the  irritation  of 
the  soft  parts  sets  up  inflammation  so  that  such  fractures 
may  prove  as  troublesome  as  the  compound. 

Symptoms.  Disuse  of  the  affected  bone,  distortion  oi 
the  part,  shortening,  if  it  is  the  main  bone  of  a  limb, 
trembling  of  the  muscles  over  the  injury,  a  grating  sensa- 
tion conveyed  to  the  hand  on  moving  the  broken  bone. 


896  Tlie  Farmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

unnatural  mobility  of  the  part,  and  the  suddenness  of  the 
injury  from  a  wrong  step  or  some  mechanical  violence. 
In  cracks  and  partial  fractures  of  bones  with  a  strong  in- 
vesting fibrous  membrane,  there  may  be  no  displacement, 
increased  mobility  nor  grating,  but  only  a  tender  line 
across  the  bone  with  or  without  a  shght  elevation. 

Treatment.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  bring  the 
broken  ends  into  correct  apposition  and  retain  them  there 
by  splints  and  bandages.  No  matter  if  the  soft  parts  are 
inflamed  and  swollen,  to  leave  the  sharp  ends  jerking  into 
them  with  each  contraction  of  the  muscles,  will  only  make 
matters  worse,  whereas  the  removal  of  this  source  of  irri- 
tation will  usually  entail  immediate  improvement.  If  from 
the  oblique  or  comminuted  nature  of  the  fracture  the 
bones  cannot  be  so  placed  and  retained,  recovery  need  not 
be  expected,  at  least  without  distortion. 

To  bring  the  ends  together  accurately,  it  may  be  nec- 
essary to  employ  extension  and  counter-extension.  A 
strong  sheet  or  blanket  is  crossed  over  the  inside  of  the 
upper  part  of  the  limb  and  held  to  keep  the  body  stiU; 
while  extension  is  effected  by  lines  attached  to  the  foot , 
a  block  and  tackle  may  be  used,  but  cautiously,  in  view  of 
the  increased  power  thereby  obtained.  It  may  even  be 
needful  to  relax  the  muscles  by  placing  the  animal  under 
the  influence  of  ether,  chloroform,  or  chloral-hydrate. 
While  the  limb  is  being  extended  the  operator  brings  the 
broken  ends  together  correctly,  and  splints  are  applied. 

These  may  be  made  of  sheets  of  gutta-percha  softened 
in  warm  water  and  applied  so  as  to  adapt  themselves  to 
the  inequalities  of  the  hmb  ;  of  strong  pasteboard  with  the 
edges  torn  (not  cut)  and  softened  in  water  to  allow  of  its 
being  moulded  to  the  surface ;  of  starch  bandage,  a  long 
cotton  bandage  three  inches  wide,  laid  on  accurately,  layer 
above  layer,  and  starched  as  applied  so  that  it  dries  into 
a  perfectly  fitting  and  hard  resisting  case  ;  a  plaster  band- 
age consisting  of  a  long  roll  of  the  same  kind  with  plaster 
of  Paris  thickly  dusted  between  its  layers,  and  the  whole 


General  Diseases  ofBones^  Joints  and  Muscles.  897 

dipped  in  water  before  it  is  applied ;  or  pieces  of  sheet- 
iron  carefully  padded  to  prevent  chafing  and  secure  perfect 
adaptation,  and  bound  firmly  by  a  surface  bandage ;  or 
wooden  splints  may  be  fashioned  to  the  form  of  one  side 
of  the  limb  and  applied  with  a  sufiicient  internal  padding. 
It  is  usually  needful  to  apply  one  of  these  wooden  or  iron 
splints  outside  the  starch  or  gutta-percha  cases,  in  the 
larger  animals,  to  give  the  requisite  soUdity.  In  all 
cases  the  limb  should  be  accurately  wrapped  in  a  long 
narrow  strip  of  cotton  or  linen  as  a  protection  before  the 
application  of  the  bandage  proper.  The  bandage  should 
always  extend  to  the  extremity  of  the  limb  (hoof  or  claws), 
otherwise  the  uncovered  portion  will  swell,  inflame,  and 
perhaps  die.  It  should  not  only  fix  immovably  all  the 
joints  below  the  fracture  but  if  possible  the  next  above  as 
well,  as  by  this  means,  as  well  as  by  the  enforced  immo- 
bility of  the  muscles,  the  perfect  rest  of  the  broken  ends 
is  secured. 

If  swelling  existed  before  the  application  of  the  bandage, 
it  may  become  loose  in  a  day  or  two  and  should  be  re- 
opened and  more  accurately  applied,  care  being  taken  to 
secure  equal  pressure  from  the  extremity  up.  The  starch 
bandage  may  be  sHt  open  up  the  side  and  when  properly 
padded  reappUed  with  the  one  edge  overlapping  the  other 
as  far  as  necessary,  and  fixed  by  a  long  bandage  applied 
over  aU.  The  plaster  bandage  may  be  adapted  by  filling 
up  the  interval  between  the  soft  skin  bandage  and  the 
plaster  case  with  a  thin  pulpy  mixture  of  plaster  of  Paris 
and  water  poured  in  at  the  top. 

The  Umb  should  be  kept  in  the  bandage  for  a  month  or 
six  weeks,  and  will  require  a  rest  of  two  or  three  months 
more,  for  the  consolidation  of  the  new  tissue,  before  being 
put  to  work. 

Fractures  in  the  upper  parts  of  the  Hmbs  of  quadrupeds, 
wliich  it  is  impossible  to  fix  by  bandages,  may  yet  recover 
with  very  little  shortening  or  distortion  if  the  break  is 
transverse.      Fractures  of  thegfe  parts  and  of   the  riba 


398  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

recover  with  a  considerable  enlargement  around  the  seat 
of  the  break,  which  may  be  afterward  absorbed  in  part  or 
in  whole,  as  the  bone  is  consolidated.  The  same  holds 
good  of  fractures  of  other  parts  when  movement  is  allowed 
between  the  divided  ends  during  recovery. 

Slings.  For  large  quadrupeds  with  broken  limbs  ding- 
ing is  absolutely  essential.  The  simplest  mode  is  the 
following  : — Four  strong  posts  are  fixed  to  the  ground  and 
roof,  so  as  to  form  an  oblong,  inside  which  the  four  feet  of 
the  animal  may  stand.  A  strong  horizontal  bar  is  then 
fixed  to  the  two  posts  on  each  side  at  such  a  height  as  to 
correspond  to  the  middle  of  the  body.  Then  the  animal 
being  walked  into  the  frame  a  horizontal  bar  is  fixed  be- 
tween the  two  front  posts  so  high  as  to  cross  the  lower 
part  of  the  neck,  and  another  between  the  two  hind  posts 
at  about  the  height  of  the  stifle.  Next  a  strong  sheet 
(new  sail  cloth  is  best)  is  fixed  to  the  one  side  bar  by 
being  wound  round  and  nailed  at  the  outer  side,  and  hav- 
ing been  passed  beneath  the  body,  is  fixed  to  the  opposite 
bar  in  the  same  way.  It  must  be  just  sufficiently  far  back 
to  clear  the  fore  limbs,  and  just  so  loose  as  to  allow 
the  patient  to  stand  over  it  without  pressure  or  chafing, 
or  to  settle  himself  into  it  at  will.  In  the  male,  care  must 
be  taken  to  have  it  narrow  enough  not  to  cover  the 
sheath. 

It  is  often  necessary  to  allow  an  animal  to  become 
fatigued  by  standing  for  a  day  or  two  before  being  put  in 
a  sling,  otherwise  he  may  be  very  irritable  at  first.  Care 
must  be  taken  not  to  let  him  feel  the  sling  beneath  him 
imtil  it  is  ready  to  be  fixed,  as  many  patients  will  settle 
down  into  it  the  moment  it  is  felt. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  JOINTS. 
Here  in  addition  to  bone  we  have  gristle,  fibrous  tissue 
(capsular  and  binding  ligaments)  and  synovial  membrane, 
a  thin  vascular  structure  which  secretes  the  albuminous 
glairy  fluid  known  as  joint-oil. 


General  Diseases  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Museles.  399 


INFLAMMATION.      ARTHEITIS.      SYNOVITIS. 

Here  again  tlie  most  commou  lesion  is  inflammation 
from  which  most  of  the  others  follow  as  consequences. 
This  may  begin  in  the  bones  as  a  result  of  concussion, 
blows,  etc.,  and  extend  through  the  cartilage  and  ligaments 
to  the  synovial  membrane ;  or  it  may  originate  in  tha 
ligaments  as  a  consequence  of  sprains  or  other  injuries ; 
or  in  the  synovial  membrane  from  wounds  opening  the 
joint  and  exposing  it  to  the  air;  or  it  may  be  a  local 
manifestation  of  some  constitutional  disease  such  as  rheu- 
matism, tubercle,  glanders,  farcy,  etc.,  or  finally  it  may  be 
due  to  plugging  of  the  blood-vessels  in  consequence  of 
pus,  ichor  or  fibrmous  clots  washed  on  through  the  vessels 
from  some  distant  seat  of  disease.  In  all  cases  the  whole 
of  the  joint  structures  tend  to  be  involved  and  the  symp- 
toms are  similar. 

The  succession  of  changes  may  be  as  follows:  the 
inflamed  synovial  membrane  throws  out  a  serous  fluid 
filling  the  joint  to  excess;  the  Kgaments  and  adjacent 
connective  tissue  also  throw  out  a  semi-liquid  exudation 
which  forms  a  yielding  swelling  around  the  joint,  suscep- 
tible of  indentation  with  the  fingers  ;  the  cartilage  covering 
the  ends  of  the  bones  softens  and  is  changed  into  a  fibrous 
material  or  is  even  absorbed,  leaving  the  bone  bare ;  the 
bone  exposed  in  this  way  may  ulcerate,  if  that  has  not 
previously  commenced,  or  it  may  be  partially  repaired  by 
the  deposit  of  a  dense  ivory-like  layer  (eburnation),  the 
smooth  glistening  surface  of  which  glides  smoothly  on 
that  of  the  opposite  bone;  lymph  may  be  exuded  from 
the  exposed  surface  of  the  bone  and  from  the  interior  of 
the  synovial  membrane,  and  this,  as  well  as  what  is  out- 
side the  joint,  may  be  developed  into  fibrous  tissue  re- 
stricting the  movements  of  the  joint,  or  more  frequently 
into  bone  which  binds  the  bony  structures  together  and 
abolishes  all  movement  (stiff-joint,  anchylosis) ;  in  very 
severe  cases  the  lymph  inside  and  outside  the  joint  de- 
generates into  pus,  and  this  makes  its  way  through  the 


400  The  Farmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tissues  to  the  surface,  is  discharged  and  leaves  an  open 
joint,  which  soon  determines  a  further  increase  of  the 
inflammation  and  destructive  changes.  In  tuberculous 
diseases  of  the  joints  there  is  the  softening  and  enlarge- 
ment of  the  ends  of  the  bones,  a  gelatiniform  eiudation, 
and  its  cheesy  degeneration ;  in  rheumatism  there  is  little 
tendency  to  suppuration ;  in  glanders,  farcy,  plugging  of 
vessels,  etc.,  there  is  the  specific  deposit  or  an  early  sup- 
puration. 

General  Symptoras.  The  joint  is  swollen,  tense  and 
elastic,  is  kept  partially  bent,  is  hot  and  tender,  the  parts 
around  it  may  retain  the  indentation  made  by  the  finger, 
and  the  suffering  is  greatly  increased  when  the  joint  is 
moved.  There  are  all  gi-ades  fi'om  heat,  tenderness,  swell- 
ing and  habitual  flexion  of  the  joints,  with  the  capacity  of 
working  off  the  lameness  during  exercise,  to  severe  forms 
in  which  no  weight  can  be  thrown  upon  the  limb,  and  the 
attendant  fever  is  so  intense  that  appetite  is  gone,  thirst  is 
ardent,  breathing  and  pulse  greatly  accelerated,  the  heat 
of  the  body  raised  to  a  high  point  and  the  patient  may 
die  from  the  constitutional  excitement. 

Wlien  suppuration  takes  place  there  is  an  aggravation 
of  all  the  symptoms,  with  frequent  shivering,  and  the 
gradual  absorption  of  the  soft  parts  renders  the  fluctuation 
more  and  more  evident  up  to  the  period  of  rupture.  Pre- 
ceding stiff-joint  there  is  a  long  period  of  subacute  inflam- 
mation, the  joint  being  kept  immovable  by  the  pain  and 
the  abundant  exudation,  until  ossification  ensues. 

Tuberculous  disease  of  the  joints  occurs  in  young  ani- 
mals, the  offspring  of  consumptive  famihes,  and  is  marked 
by  the  enlargement  and  softening  of  the  ends  of  the  bones, 
the  formation  of  wounds  or  ulcers,  and,  it  may  be,  disease 
of  the  lungs  or  bowels. 

Rheumatic  disease  is  characterized  by  its  tendency  to 
move  fi'om  joint  to  joint  or  muscle,  by  its  aggi^avation 
under  the  influence  of  cold  and  damp  and  improvement 
under  warmth  and  sunshine,  and  by  its  indisposition  tc 


General  Diseases  of  Bodies,  Joints  and  Muscles.  401 

Buppuration.  Glanders,  farcy,  plugging  of  the  vessels, 
etc.,  are  distinguished  by  the  presence  of  the  coexisting 
disease  in  other  parts. 

General  Treatment.  In  severe  cases  secure  immobility 
in  the  joints  by  placing  in  slings,  and,  if  necessary,  by  the 
application  of  a  smart  bhster  around  the  articulation.  In 
the  absence  of  the  blister  apply  cooHng  or  soothing  lotions 
as  for  inflammation  of  bone  and  follow  this  up  by  blisters 
or  firing  when  the  inflammation  has  in  the  main  subsided 
and  the  heat  and  tenderness  disappeared.  In  the  slight, 
subacute  and  chronic  forms  the  counter-irritants  may  be 
applied  at  the  first.  When  anchylosis  threatens  it  is 
sometimes  advisable  to  favor  it  by  active  bhstering  and 
rigid  immobihty  of  the  joint.  If  ulceration  of  the  joint 
surface  occurs  the  hot  iron  usually  gives  the  best  results. 
If  suppuration  has  ensued  the  pus  must  escape  by  an 
external  opening  and  our  efl'orts  must  be  thereafter  di- 
rected to  limiting  the  inflammation  as  far  as  possible  and 
obviating  death  by  the  general  fever,  or  uselessness,  by 
destruction  of  the  joint. 

In  the  severer  forms  a  purgative  should  be  given  at  the 
outset  and  this  may  be  followed  by  a  soft  laxative  diet 
(mashes,  roots,  green  food,)  and  diuretics,  (carbonates  or 
acetates  of  potassa  or  soda,  colchicum,  etc.,)  especially 
when  there  is  reason  to  suspect  any  rheumatic  compHca- 
tion.  In  some  cases  of  this,  as  of  bone  disease,  in  which 
there  is  imperfect  assimilation  and  the  passage  of  an 
excess  of  phosphates  in  the  urine,  a  course  of  bitters  and 
iron  tonics  is  demanded. 

Tuberculous  disease  of  the  joints  demands  similar  treat- 
ment with  due  attention  to  the  general  health  to  cori'ect, 
if  possible,  the  unhealthy  state. 

OPEN  JOINT. 

This  results  from  an  incised,  punctured,  lacerated  oi 
contused  wound  and  will  vary  in  gravity  according  to  the 
nature  of  the  wound  and  the  certainty  of  inflammation 
ensuing.     If  there  is  a  simple  minute  puncture  or  cut,  the 

20 


402  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

wound  may  close  without  this  result,  but  if  the  tissues  are 
severely  lacerated  or  bruised,  as  in  case  of  falls,  etc.,  a 
certain  amount  of  inflammation  must  necessarily  ensue. 

Treatment.  Never  probe  such  wounds.  Sand  or  gritty 
matter  must  be  removed  by  a  stream  of  tepid  water  or  the 
most  careful  picking,  and  the  lips  of  the  wound  brought 
together  if  necessary  by  stitches,  but  with  as  few  as  pos- 
sible and  those  only  passing  through  the  skin.  Perfect 
quiet  must  be  secured  by  slings,  splints,  bandages  or, 
if  the  opening  is  small,  by  a  blister  enveloping  the  joint 
but  leaving  a  clear  space  of  an  inch  around  the  wound. 
In  the  absence  of  the  blister,  the  joint  may  be  irrigated 
with  cold  water  continuously  applied  as  for  ostitis,  or  a 
poultice  may  be  applied  with  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic 
acid  poured  over  its  surface,  or  the  same  carbolic  lotion 
(1  part  to  100  water)  may  be  applied  by  means  of  sat- 
urated cotton  bandages  covered  with  dry.  Coagulating 
agents  (powdered  alum,  acetate  of  lead,  sulphate  of  zinc, 
etc.,)  are  sometimes  used  to  close  the  wound  by  a  clot  of 
synovia,  and  if  this  has  been  effected  it  should  never  be 
disturbed  by  picking  or  dressing,  but  left  to  be  expelled 
when  the  wound  is  finally  closed  by  the  growth  of  gran- 
ulations from  its  lips.  The  greatest  danger  lies  in  the 
movement  of  the  joint  which  stimulates  the  secretion 
of  synovia  and  keeps  the  wound  open  ;  in  the  introduction 
of  atmospheric  air  into  the  joint,  and  in  the  decomposi- 
tion of  the  morbid  liquids  in  the  wound.  Hence,  perfect 
rest,  closure  of  the  wound  and  the  use  of  antiseptics  like 
carbolic  acid  are  all-important. 

The  general  treatment  is  the  same  as  for  arthritis  from 
other  causes. 

If  suppuration  ensues  there  is  the  greatest  danger  ol 
destruction  of  the  joint. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SYNOVIAL  CAVITIES — ^BURS^  AND 
SHEATHS  OF  TENDONS. 

Bur  see  are  little  synovial  cavities  placed  between  the 
Bkin  and  prominent  bony  processes  to  favor  the  gliding  of 


General  Diseases  ofBones^  Joints  and  Muscles.  403 

the  one  on  the  other.  Thecce  are  similar  sacs  interposed 
between  bones  and  fibrous  cords  (tendons,  ligaments,)  or 
between  two  such  cords,  to  favor  gliding.  Each  may  be 
the  seat  of  inflammation  with  its  consequences — over- 
distension from  excessive  secretion  of  serum  : — exudation 
of  lymph,  with  thickening,  induration,  adhesion,  calcifica- 
tion of  the  walls,  or  with  suppuration. 

It  may  be  developed  by  wounds,  punctures,  cuts,  bruises, 
sprains  or  rheumatism,  and  is  manifested  by  heat,  pain, 
tenderness  and  an  elastic  swelling  (wind-puff,  wind-gall,) 
the  enlargement  usually  remaining  after  inflammation  has 
subsided.  This  condition,  as  well  as  induration  or  calci- 
fication of  the  walls,  causes  material  deformity.  Sup- 
puration is  evinced  by  a  great  increase  of  the  heat  and 
tenderness,  with  a  more  distinct  and  superficial  fluctua- 
tion and  a  surrounding  engorgement  which  pits  on  press- 
ure. 

Treatment  consists  in  rest,  a  relaxed  posture  of  any 
tendons  imphcated,  and  soothing,  cooling  or  astringent 
applications  as  in  the  early  stages  of  sprains  or  ostitis. 
A  purgative,  and  restricted  diet  are  equally  necessary. 
When  heat  and  tenderness  have  subsided  a  small  blister 
(see  periostitis)  will  often  cause  absorption  of  the  liquid ; 
or  it  may  disappear  under  pressure  maintained  for  two 
hours  at  a  time,  twice  daily  at  first,  and  increased  by  two 
hours  daily  ;  or  finally,  the  Hquid  may  be  drawn  off  by  the 
nozzle  of  a  hypodermic  syringe  and  the  sac  compressed 
with  a  bandage  (and,  if  necessary,  pads)  saturated  in  an  as- 
tringent cooling  lotion.  After  evacuating  the  liquid  an 
injection  of  compound  tincture  of  iodine  1  part,  water  2 
parts,  may  be  thrown  in  and  expressed  again  after  three 
minutes,  the  part  being  afterward  covered  with  wet  band- 


For  suppuration  a  simple  subcutaneous  bursa  may  be 
laid  freely  open  and  allowed  to  heal  by  granulation,  or  a 
thread  may  be  drawn  through  the  cavity  and  the  pua 
drawn  off,  while  cooling  lotions  are  applied  to  the  surface 


404  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

DISEASES  OF  MUSCLES. 
RUPTUEE  OF  MUSCLES. 

The  red  flesh  is  rarely  torn  in  life  and  never  by  volun- 
tary contraction.  Though  torn  across  with  ease  after 
death  it  will  resist  much  more  during  life  than  the  white 
fibrous  cord  by  which  it  is  attached  to  the  bones.  Mus- 
cles are  usually  torn  by  some  extreme  involuntary  con- 
traction, as  in  recovering  from  a  wrong  step  or  slip,  or  in 
the  extreme  contractions  of  lock-jaw.  Kupture  is  rec- 
ognized by  the  sudden  pain  and  inability  to  use  the  mus- 
cle, and,  if  it  is  superficial,  by  tenderness,  by  a  depression 
in  the  seat  of  the  tear,  and  a  bulging  of  the  muscle  above 
and  below  it.  Later  the  depression  may  be  filled  by  a 
soft  compressible  clot. 

Treatment  consists  in  the  approximation  of  the  divided 
ends  by  such  a  position  as  will  relax  the  muscle  and  by  a 
tight  bandage  from  the  foot  up  if  it  be  in  a  limb. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  MUSCLE. 

This  is  usually  the  result  of  rheumatism  but  may  arise 
fi'om  continued  use  or  from  local  injury.  It  is  manifested 
by  swelling  and  extreme  tenderness  of  the  muscle  in  ques- 
tion, with  loss  of  contractile  power.  If  rheumatic  it  has 
the  further  characteristic  of  shifting  from  place  to  place. 
It  may  result  in  abscess,  or  thickening  of  the  fibrous  in- 
vesting membrane,  or  in  calcareous,  gi-anular  or  fatty  de- 
generation. It  must  be  treated  by  rest,  with  soothing  lo- 
cal treatment  like  any  ordinary  inflammation,  and  matter 
may  be  evacuated  with  knife  or  lancet,  but  the  degenera- 
tions may  be  looked  upon  as  permanent. 

Fatty  degeneration  is  common  in  overfed  animals,  above 
all  in  those  bred  for  early  maturity  and  great  aptitude  to 
fatten  (improved  cattle,  sheep  and  pigs,)  and  is  quite  irre- 
mediable. It  may  also  arise  from  paralysis,  the  result  of 
injuries  to  the  nerves  as  in  roaring. 

RUPTURE  OF  TENDONS.   SECTION  OF  TENDONS. 

These  are  not  uncommon  in  horses  during  severe  ex- 


General  Diseases  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  405 

crtions,  as  on  the  race-course,  the  back  tendons  being  the 
most  common  seat  of  the  injury.  Whether  torn  across  or 
divided  with  a  cutting  instrument,  they  are  readily  repaired 
by  the  exudation  of  lymph  between  the  divided  ends  and 
its  organization  into  white  fibrous  tissue.  It  is  neces- 
sary to  support  the  limb  so  that  the  divided  ends  may  be 
placed  in  apposition  and  retained  thus  for  three  or  four 
weeks.     Inflammation  is  to  be  checked  by  ordinary  means. 

SPEAINS. 

When  subjected  to  over-exertion,  sinews  become  the 
seat  of  sudden  severe  pain,  inflammation,  exudation,  thick- 
ening and  shortening.  Sprains  occur  mainly  from  severe 
and  continued  over-exertion,  or  from  the  sudden  jerk  con- 
sequent on  taking  a  wrong  step  when  fatigued  and  unable 
readily  to  recover  the  balance.  They  are  most  frequent 
where  tendons  play  over  a  bony  process,  but  may  occur 
at  any  part,  and  are  of  all  grades  from  those  producing  a 
slight  halt,  with  almost  imperceptible  thickening  of  the 
tendinous  cord,  to  those  in  which  the  cord  has  been  ex- 
tensively torn  and  becomes  the  centre  of  a  most  violent 
inflammation. 

Treatment.  When  violently  inflamed  or  the  seat  of  ex- 
treme pain,  the  tendon  should  be  rested  and  relaxed  by 
giving  a  suitable  position  to  the  limb,  and  fomented  with 
warm  water  or  showered  continuously  with  cold,  until  heat 
and  tenderness  have  been  subdued.  Or  cooling  astringent 
lotions  may  be  used  as  advised  under  ostitis.  A  laxative 
and  restricted  diet  are  often  essential.  When  heat  and 
tenderness  have  subsided,  occasional  showering  with  cold 
water  and  hand-nibbing,  or  stimulating  Hniments  (cam- 
phorated spu'it ;  liquor  ammonia  1  part,  olive-oil  2  parts  ; 
camphorated  spirit  and  peppermint  water  equal  parts, 
etc.,)  may  be  used.  The  same  agents  may  be  applied  to 
very  slight  cases  at  the  outset.  Or  bHsters  may  be  ap- 
pUcd  as  advised  under  ostitis. 


40G  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

THICKENING,  SHORTENING,  CALCIFICATION  OF  TENDONS. 

These  are  the  results  of  severe  or  repeated  sprains.  Il 
slight  they  may  be  benefited  by  time,  gentle  exercise  (at 
grass),  and  an  occasional  blister  of  iodide  of  mercury.  In 
cases  with  such  thickening  and  shortening  as  to  impair 
usefulness,  after  all  inflammation  has  subsided  the  tendons 
may  be  cut  across  by  a  narrow-bladed  knife,  making  an 
almost  imperceptible  skin  wound,  the  ends  drawn  apart 
by  full  extension  of  the  limb,  and  the  case  treated  like  an 
accidentally  ruptured  or  cut  tendon.  If  tliis  operation 
is  performed  in  a  warm  season,  antiseptics  must  be  ap 
plied  to  the  wound. 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

speclaij  injuries  of  bones,  joints  and 

MUSCLES. 

Fracture  of  the  lower  jaw.  Injuries  by  bit  and  curb.  Fracture  of  the 
upper  jaw ;  of  the  bones  of  the  nose ;  of  the  frontal  bones ;  of  the  crest  of 
the  poll ;  of  the  base  of  the  cranium.  Dislocation  of  the  lower  jaw.  Open 
Joint  between  upper  and  lower  jaws.  Cancer  (Encephaloid)  of  the  Orbit. 
Tooth-like  tumors  under  the  ear.  Poll  Evil.  Fistulous  Withers.  Fract- 
ured Processes  of  the  neck-bones.  Broken  neck.  Fracture  of  the  Spinous 
Processes  of  the  back  and  loins.  Sprain  of  the  back  or  loins.  Transverse 
Fracture  of  the  back  or  loins.  Broken  Back.  Laceration  of  the  muscles 
beneath  the  loins.  Fracture  of  the  croup.  Injuries  to  the  bones  of  the  tail. 
Fractured  Ribs.  Wounds  penetrating  the  chest.  Shoulder  lameness.  Tu- 
mors on  the  shoulder.  Sprain  of  the  Coraco-radial  tendon.  Shoulder- 
sprain.  Sprain  of  the  muscles  outside  the  shoulder-blade.  Disease  of  the 
shoulder-joint.  Other  affections  of  the  shoulder.  Affections  of  the  elbow 
and  arm.  Tumors  on  the  point  of  the  elbow.  Wounds  of  the  elbow. 
Fracture  of  the  point  of  the  elbow.  Disease  of  the  elbow-joint.  Fracture 
of  the  arm  bone.  Fracture  of  the  fore-arm.  Sprain  of  the  radial  ligament. 
Sprain  of  the  back  tendons  behind  the  knee.  Thorough-pin  of  the  knee. 
Synovial  swellings  in  front  of  the  knee.  Inflammation  of  the  knee.  Dislo- 
cation of  the  knee.  Wounds  of  the  knee.  Speedy  cut.  Broken  knees. 
Splints.  Sore  shins.  Fracture  of  the  splint  bones;  of  the  shank-bone. 
Sprains  of  the  back  tendons;  of  the  suspensory  ligaments.  Wind-galls. 
Sesamoiditis.  Sprain  of  the  inferior  sesamoid  ligaments.  Elastic  swellings 
in  front  of  the  fetlock.  Cutting.  Bruises  on  the  fetlock.  Fracture  of  the 
pastern  bones.  Bony  growths  on  the  pastern  bones.  Ringbones.  Sprain 
of  the  flexor  tendons  behind  the  pastern.  Fractures  of  the  hip-bones ;  of 
the  outer  angle;  of  the  inner  angle ;  of  the  point  of  the  hip;  through  the 
shaft  of  the  bone ;  into  the  joint.  Sprain  of  the  hip.  Displacement  of  the 
Abductor  Femoris.  Disease  of  the  hip-joint.  Dislocation  of  the  hip.  Fract- 
ure of  the  thigh-bone ;  the  neck ;  the  s'laft ;  the  lower  end.  Fracture  of 
the  knee-cap.  Dislocation  of  the  knee-£ap,  stifled.  Disease  of  the  stifle. 
Fracture  of  the  leg  between  the  stifle  and  hock ;  Tibia ;  Fibula.  Sprain  or 
laceration  of  the  muscle  which  bends  the  hock.  Sprain  of  the  hamstring. 
Rupture  of  the  hamstring.     Capped  hock.     Displacement   of  *he   tendon 


408  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


playing  over  the  point  of  the  hock.  Sprain  of  the  flexor  tendon  behind  the 
hock.  Thorough-pin.  Distension  of  the  sheath  of  the  extensor  tendon  in 
front  of  the  hock.  Fracture  of  the  inner  maleolus.  Fracture  of  the  point 
of  the  hock  and  other  hock  bones.  Bone  spavin.  Inflammation  of  the  true 
hock  joint.  Bog  spavin.  Dropsy  of  the  hock  joint.  Blood  spavin.  Curb. 
String-halt.     Other  causes  of  lameness. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  LOWER  JAW. 

These  take  place  in  tlie  anterior  part  occupied  by  tlie 
front  teeth,  or  more  frequently  on  one  side,  between  these 
and  the  grinders.  In  simple  fractures  with  no  great  tend- 
ency to  movement  an  exclusive  diet  of  soft  mashes  \n\\ 
often  suffice,  a  double  halter  being  so  arranged  that  the 
animal  cannot  possibly  reach  either  fodder  or  litter.  If 
the  fracture  is  between  the  front  teeth  a  copper  or  silver 
wire  wound  round  two  teeth  on  opposite  sides  of  the  break 
may  fix  the  parts  sufficiently.  If  further  back  and  very 
mobile,  it  may  stiU  be  retained  at  times  by  using  the 
tushes  as  fixed  points  from  which  to  carry  the  wire. 
Where  these  cannot  be  availed  of,  the  jaw  may  be  perfo- 
rated by  a  fine  driU  in  front  of  the  fracture  and  behind  it, 
and  the  two  parts  firmly  bound  together  by  a  silver  wire. 
If  this  is  not  available,  a  mould  of  gutta-percha  or  wood  is 
made  to  fit  the  lower  jaw  and  sides  of  the  face  from  the 
throat  as  far  as  the  chin,  and  this  is  strapped  on  by  four 
belts,  one  passing  behind  the  ears,  one  in  front  of  them, 
one  on  the  middle  of  the  face  and  one  on  the  nose  but  four 
inches  above  the  nostrils.  The  straps  may  be  held  to- 
gether by  another  or  a  simple  cord  passing  down  the 
middle  of  the  face,  and  the  two  lower  ones  should  be 
slightly  elastic.  This  should  be  kept  on  tiU  union  is 
effected  and  no  hard  food  should  be  allowed  for  two 
months. 

In  cases  of  compound  comminuted  fractures  remove  all 
foreign  bodies  and  detached  pieces  of  bone,  and  make  an 
opening  in  the  case,  through  which  the  wound  may  be 
dressed  -with  antiseptic  liquids  (carbolic  acid  1  part,  water 
100  parts). 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  409 

INJURIES  BY  BIT  AND  CURB. 

These  often  cause  slight  fractures  or  supei-ficial  necro- 
sis on  the  upper  or  lower  borders  of  the  jaw.  Extract 
detached  pieces  or  scrape  off  dead,  and  when  the  wound 
has  healed  drive  with  a  snaffle. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  UPPER  JAW. 

This  is  much  less  serious.  If  at  the  anterior  part  fix 
by  wiring  the  teeth  together.  If  further  back  and  associ- 
ated with  discharge  from  the  nose,  trephine  the  sinus  (see 
diseased  teeth),  remove  detached  pieces  of  bone  and  in- 
ject with  a  weak  astringent  solution  (diseased  teeth). 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  NOSE. 

Here  the  depression  of  the  space  between  the  iiostrils 
and  the  difficulty  of  breathing  are  characteristic.  Shave 
the  skin  above  and  below  the  fracture ;  make  a  smooth 
cone  of  wood,  rounded  at  the  apex  and  just  large  enough 
to  fit  the  nasal  passage ;  with  this  inside  the  nose  raise 
the  bone  to  its  proper  position  and  strap  it  there  by  strong 
adhesive  plaster  passing  over  the  interval  of  the  fracture. 
In  obstinate  cases  we  can  resort  to  plugging  of  one  nos- 
tril with  tow,  or  of  both  nostrils  if  tracheotomy  has  been 
first  performed. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  FRONTAL  BONES. 

If  beneath  the  level  of  the  eye  the  danger  is  slight  and 
after  removal  of  detached  pieces  of  bone  it  may  be  treated 
like  an  ordinary  wound.  If  above,  the  depressed  bone 
must  be  raised  with  a  lever  to  avoid  compression  of  the 
brain  when  exudation  takes  place.  Fracture  of  the  process 
which  forms  the  upper  boundary  of  the  eye-socket  may 
be  raised  in  the  same  manner  to  avoid  subsequent  blemish. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  CREST  OF  THE  POLL  (OCCIPITAL). 

If  split  straight  down  and  -wdthout  opening  the  cranium 
and  exposing  the  brain,  the  animal  should  be  tied  so  that 


410  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

the  nose  is  kept  habitually  protruded  and  the  injury 
treated  like  a  simple  wound.  It  may  be  needful  to  use 
astringent  lotions  or  even  to  make  a  counter-opening  below 
to  secure  a  perfect  recovery. 

FEACTUEES  AT  THE  BASE  OF  THE  CRANIUM. 

These  are  usually  due  to  blows  on  the  poll,  the  shock 
being  conveyed  through  the  harder  structures  and  ex- 
pended fatally  on  the  softer  bones  below.  Being  in  con- 
tact with  the  most  vital  parts  of  the  brain  and  beyond 
the  reach  of  surgical  interference  such  fractures  are  fatal. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  LOWER  JAW. 

This  sometimes  occurs  in  the  dog,  from  opening  the 
jaws  too  widely  in  giving  pills,  etc.  The  jaw  is  sUghtly 
advanced  and  held  open  in  spite  of  all  attempts  of  the 
animal  to  close  it.  Wrap  the  thumbs  very  thickly  in 
cloth,  and  seizing  the  lower  jaw  press  it  forcioly  downward 
and  backward  when  it  will  slip  in  with  a  jerk  and  the  jaws 
will  close  firmly. 

OPEN  JOINT  BETWEEN  THE  UPPER  AND  LOWER  JAWS. 

A  wound  exists  midway  between  the  eye  and  the  root  of 
the  ear,  discharging  a  glairy  fluid  when  the  animal  chews. 
Fix  the  jaw^s  by  a  bridle  with  straps  draAvn  tightly  around 
the  nose,  feed  thick  gmels  and  soft  mashes  only  and  treat 
as  advised  for  open  joint. 

CANCER  (eNCEPHALOID)  OF  THE  ORBIT. 

This  occurs  in  horses  and  cattle,  great,  angry,  bleeding, 
fungous  growths  appearing  from  the  soft  and  hard  struct- 
ures about  the  orbit.     The  only  hope  lies  in  early  removal. 

TOOTH-LIKE  TUMORS  UNDER  THE  EAR. 

These  are  manifested  by  a  running  sore,  just  above  and 
behind  the  joint  between  the  upper  and  the  lower  jaw, 
with  a  hard  object  to  be  felt  at  the  bottom.     Their  ex- 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones ^  Joints  and  Muscles.   411 

traction  can  only  be  undertaken  by  one  intimately  ac- 
quainted with  the  parts. 

POLL  EVIL. 

This  is  of  two  kinds  :  1st,  A  simple  abscess,  the  result  of  a 
blow  or  other  local  injury,  and  w^hich  is  only  serious  because 
)f  the  strong  enveloping  fibrous  membranes  that  imprison 
the  matter  beneath  them ;  and  2d,  disease  of  the  joint 
between  the  head  and  the  first  bone  of  the  neck,  or  be- 
tween the  first  two  bones.  The  first,  if  unrelieved,  will 
usually  give  rise  to  the  second,  since  the  surface  of  the 
bones  becomes  the  seat  of  disease  which  gradually  extends 
to  and  involves  the  joint.  The  milder  form  may  be  dis- 
tinguished by  the  superficial  position  of  the  swelling  and 
fluctuation,  and  by  the  comparative  freedom  and  ease 
with  which  the  head  is  moved,  whereas  in  the  other  the 
head  is  carried  very  stifiiy  and  cannot  be  moved  on  the 
neck  without  extreme  suffering. 

Treatment.  When  seen  early  with  only  a  slight  inflam- 
matory swelling  behi^id  the  poll  and  no  fluctuation,  purge 
and  keep  a  cooling  lotion  (tincture  of  arnica  2  oz.,  iodide 
of  potassium  1  dr.,  vinegar  1  qt.,  camomile  infusion  1  qt.,) 
constantly  applied  to  the  part,  the  patient  at  rest,  and  the 
head  tied  up  to  the  rack.  If  matter  has  formed  and  fluctu- 
ation is  felt,  however  deep,  it  must  be  opened  at  once. 
Select  the  part  where  fluctuation  is  most  marked  and 
plunge  a  knife  into  the  cavity.  Then  with  a  bent  probe 
find  the  low^est  point  of  the  sac  and  cut  down  upon  this, 
making  a  large  opening  from  which  the  matter  may  flow 
as  it  forms.  A  tape  should  be  tied  in  the  wound  and  the 
sac  syringed  out  daily  with  a  stimulating  wash  (chloride 
of  zinc  ^  di'.,  water  1  qt.,)  until  from  the  disappearance  of 
swelling  and  matter  it  becomes  evident  that  the  sac  is  ob- 
literated, when  the  tape  may  be  cut,  pulled  half  way  out 
and  left  hanging  from  the  lower  wound  until  the  upper  is 
closed,  when  it  may  be  completely  withdrawn.  "^Vlien 
new  sacs  of  matter  appear  these  must  be  promptly  opened 


412  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

and  tr(>ated  in  the  same  way.  A  change  of  dressing  is 
sometimes  needed  as  one  app)ears  to  be  losing  its  effect 
(tincture  of  muriate  of  iron  1  oz.,  water  1  quart).  In  ob- 
stinate cases  it  is  sometimes  needful  to  lay  the  sacs  open 
by  an  extensive  incision  and  treat  like  an  ordinary  wound. 
But  all  these  operations  are  only  safe  in  the  hands  of 
those  who  are  intimately  acquainted  with  the  structure  of 
the  part. 

In  case  of  disease  of  the  bone  it  may  be  felt  bare  at  the 
bottom  of  the  sac,  by  probing,  and  may  be  scraped  to  re- 
move any  dead  or  diseased  part,  and  expose  sound  bone 
which  may  undergo  the  healing  process. 

If  the  joint  is  implicated  the  case  may  be  deemed  des- 
perate, as  it  is  usually  only  a  question  of  time  for  the 
spinal  cord  to  become  involved. 

FISTULOUS  WITHERS. 

This  is  analogous  to  the  milder  form  of  poll  evil,  differing 
only  in  its  site,  which  is  on  the  spines  above  the  shoulders. 
It  is  to  be  treated  in  the  same  way,  by  free  incision,  the 
formation  of  a  dependent  orifice  and  injections.  If  the 
spinous  processes  are  diseased  they  should  be  removed 
with  bone  forceps  until  a  healthy  surface  is  exposed. 

FRACTUEED  PROCESSES  OF  THE  NECK  BONES. 

This  may  arise  from  muscular  effort  but  more  commonly 
results  from  jamming  between  two  heavy  bodies.  If  on 
one  side  only,  the  head  is  drawn  to  a  side ;  and  in  any  case 
the  detached  piece  of  bone  may  be  felt  among  the  muscles 
and  grating  even  may  be  produced  by  moving  it.  The 
only  treatment  is  to  keep  the  head  in  one  position  until 
the  detached  parts  have  become  adherent,  which  they 
usually  do  with  a  visible  swelling.  If  abscess  or  fistula 
forms  the  detached  bone  must  be  extracted. 

TRANSVERSE  FRACTURE  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  NECK 

These  occur  from  pitching  on  the  head,  and  are  fatal 
from  the  sudden  cessation  of  breathing. 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  413 


FRACTURE  OF  THE  SPINOUS  PROCESSES  OF  BACK  AND  LOINS. 

This  is  detected  by  the  mobihty,  with  or  without  grating 
of  the  spines  imphcated.  If  comminuted  the  splinters 
should  be  extracted ;  if  simple,  replace  them  and  retain  by 
a  pitch  plaster  on  each  side,  or  with  a  saddle  having  a 
high  tree  and  plenty  of  padding  at  the  sides  to  support 
the  fractured  bone. 

SPRAINS  OF  THE  BACK  OR  LOINS. 

There  is  inability  to  back,  above  all  when  mounted,  or 
to  turn  quickly  in  a  circle,  tenderness  at  a  given  spot  on 
pinching  along  the  back,  drooping  when  mounted,  and 
difficulty  in  urination  from  the  pain  attendant  on  curving 
the  back.  It  has  come  on  suddenly  after  slipping,  falling, 
bearing  a  heavy  weight,  etc.,  and  is  independent  of  fever. 
It  is  distinguished  from  partial  paraplegia  by  the  per- 
fect sensation  in  the  hind  parts,  by  the  absence  ol 
any  change  in  their  temperature  as  compared  with  the 
rest  of  the  body,  and  by  the  retention  of  perfect  sensation 
and  motion  in  the  tail. 

Treatment.  Place  in  a  narrow  stall  in  which  the  patient 
cannot  turn  his  body  or  even  his  neck;  apply  slings  to 
prevent  any  attempt  at  lying  down ;  foment  with  warm 
water  if  there  is  much  pain ;  when  that  has  subsided, 
blister.  It  is  all-important  to  give  laxative  diet,  and  to 
correct  any  costiveness  or  other  impairment  of  the  general 
health. 

TRANSVERSE  FRACTURE  OF  BACK  OR  LOINS. 

This  occurs  suddenly  from  an  evident  cause,  such  as 
fi lipping,  over-weighting,  a  wrong  step,  or  struggling  when 
cast  for  an  operation.  If  displacement  has  not  taken 
place  there  is  an  exaggerated  manifestation  of  the  same 
symptoms  as  in  sprained  back,  but  if  the  bones  are  dis- 
placed, or  when  the  resulting  inflammation  and  swelling 
have  produced  pressure  on  the  spinal  cord,  there  is  para- 
plegiay  coldness  of  the  body  behind  the  seat  of  fracture 


414  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tliough  that  in  front  may  be  hot  and  perspiring ;  the  tail 
is  implicated  in  the  palsy,  and  there  is  much  tenderness 
and  often  a  manifest  depression  of  the  seat  of  fracture. 

Treatment  The  shghter  forms  are  treated  Hke  sprained 
loins.  In  the  more  severe,  the  subject  should  be  de- 
stroyed at  once.  If  after  recovery  in  other  respects  a 
certain  lack  of  power  remains,  it  must  be  treated  like 
'paraplegia. 

LACEKATION  OF  THE  MUSCLES  BENEATH  THE  LOINS. 

This  occurs  from  the  hind  limbs  slipping  unexpectedly 
backward  or  from  their  going  back  into  a  ditch  which  the 
animal  is  attempting  to  leap.  The  manifestations  resem- 
ble those  of  broken  back,  as  there  are  difficulty  in  rising, 
and  an  imperfect  control  over  the  hind  limbs,  which  are 
dragged  awkwardly  forward  and  not  advanced  so  far  as  in 
health.  But  there  is  no  indication  of  paralysis  and  no 
alteration  of  temperature  or  sensibility  in  the  hind  parts, 
the  functions  of  the  tail  are  perfect,  and  examination 
through  the  rectum  detects  a  soft  doughy  swelling,  with 
heat  and  tenderness  beneath  the  loins.  Treatment  is  by 
shngs  and  fomentations  to  the  loins.  If  the  horse  is  un 
able  to  get  up,  raise  him  by  block  and  tackle  and  he  will 
easily  stand.  Several  weeks  are  wanted  for  repair  of  the 
injury  and  the  patient  should  have  a  run  at  grass  before 
returning  to  work. 

FRAOTUEE  OF  THE  CllOUP  (sACRUM). 

Seen  in  cattle  and  less  frequently  in  horses,  and  (?aused 
by  riding  each  other  or  by  the  fall  of  heavy  bodies  on  the 
part.  There  is  a  manifest  depression  at  one  point  of  the 
medium  line  of  the  croup,  and  the  tail  usually  hangs 
paralyzed.  Examination  with  the  oiled  hand  in  the  rec- 
tum at  once  detects  the  displacement,  which  is  always 
downward.  With  one  hand  in  the  rectum  pressing  on  the 
depressed  bone  and  the  other  pulHng  the  tail,  the  bones 
may  be  replaced  and  should  be  held  so  by  a  stiff  leather 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.    415 

sheath  well  padded,  fixed  round  the  root  of  the  tail  and 
connected  in  front  with  a  surcingle  and  collar.  Recovery 
of  power  over  the  tail  may  be  looked  for. 

INJURIES  TO  THE  BONES  OF  THE  TAIL. 

Fracture  and  dislocation  are  easily  reduced  and  the 
bones  maintained  in  proper  place  by  a  bandage.  If  the 
bones  are  crushed,  or  the  seat  of  caries  or  necrosis,  the 
member  should  be  amputated  above  the  injury.  Docking 
scissors  are  best  for  this  purpose,  but  the  organ  may  be 
laid  across  a  beam  and  chopped  off  with  one  blow  of  a 
hatchet.  The  hair  should  first  be  removed  from  the  part 
to  be  cut,  and  what  is  above  this  part  tied  up  to  the  rump. 
After  the  amputation  the  hair  is  drawn  down  over  the 
stump  and  firmly  tied,  as  close  to  it  as  possible,  so  as  to 
compress  the  arteries  and  check  bleeding.  In  cattle  and 
.other  animals,  with  short  hair  on  the  tails,  bleeding  may 
be  prevented  by  a  flat  tape  tied  round  the  tail  above  the 
stump  for  eight  hours,  or  the-  arteries  may  be  tied,  or 
finally,  they  may  be  seared  with  a  hot  iron,  the  part  hav- 
ing been  first  dusted  with  powdered  resiiu 

FRACTURED  RIBS. 

These  usually  result  from  falls,  blows  and  other  forms 
of  mechanical  injury,  and  may  be  easily  detected  by  a 
depression  or  soft  part  at  the  seat  of  fracture.  If  simple, 
they  will  be  readily  repaired  under  the  influence  of  rest 
and  girths  to  restrict  the  movements  of  the  chest.  But  ii 
comminuted,  abscesses  may  form  or  necrosis  ensue,  de- 
manding the  removal  of  the  dead  or  morbid  matters.  If 
the  fractured  ends  have  been  driven  in  so  far  as  to  pene- 
trate the  lung  a  still  more  serious  complication  is  met. 
The  air  rushes  from  the  tubes  of  the  lacerated  lung  into 
the  pleural  cavit}^  during  each  inspiration,  and  as  it  can- 
not find  its  way  back,  the  whole  of  that  half  of  the  chest 
is  soon  filled  with  air  and  the  lung  compressed  into  a 
small  soUd  mass  attached  to  the  lower  end  of  the  wind- 


416  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

pipe,  and  opposite  the  base  of  the  heart.  The  lesion 
is  thus  Hable  to  prove  fatal,  though  if  arrested  early  by  the 
exudation  of  lymph  in  the  wound  of  the  lung,  the  air  may 
be  absorbed  and  recovery  may  ensue. 

WOUNDS  PENETRATING  THE  CHEST. 

Whether  connected  with  broken  ribs  or  only  involving 
the  muscles  between  the  ribs,  these  lead  to  the  accumula- 
tion of  air  in  the  chest  and  collapse  of  the  lung,  as  when 
a  broken  rib  has  *torn  the  lung  tissue.  The  edges  of  the 
wound,  having  been  driven  in,  act  like  a  valve  allowing  the 
entrance  of  air  during  the  expansion  of  the  chest,  but  for- 
bidding its  escape  when  that  cavity  collapses.  It  is  far 
more  serious  than  the  accumulation  of  air  in  the  chest  from 
a  torn  lung,  as  decomposition  and  irritation  are  set  up  by 
the  presence  of  germs  which  are  filtered  out  in  passing 
through  the  lungs.  Unless  the  wound  is  small  and  can 
be  closed  early,  it  is  necessarily  fatal. 

SHOULDER  LAMENESS. 

The  lameness  which  accompanies  injuries  to  the  shoul- 
der may  be  so  characteristic  as  to  be  recognized  at  a 
glance.  The  specific  features  are,  the  carrying  of  the  head 
low ;  the  dragging  of  the  toe  on  the  ground  in  advancing 
the  limb ;  the  swinging  of  the  foot  outward  so  as  to 
describe  the  arc  of  a  circle  in  bringing  it  forward ;  and,  if 
severe  enough,  the  standing  with  joints  partly  bent,  the 
heel  raised  and  the  toe  resting  on  the  ground,  but  without 
any  advance  of  the  lame  foot  in  front  of  the  other. 

TUMORS  ON  THE  SHOULDER. 

Often  preceded  by  chafing  or  galling,  these  consist  of 
inflammation  and  suppuration  beneath  the  large  flat- 
muscle  which  covers  the  front  of  the  shoulder  (levator 
humeri).  The  tissues  around  the  matter  become  thickened 
and  indurated  to  an  extraordinary  extent,  so  that  it  is 
often  impossible  to  detect  any  fluctuation,  yet  it  may  be 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones ^  Joints  mid  Muscles.   417 

assumed  in  all  cases  of  considerable  swelling  that  matter 
really  exists,  and  the  recovery  will  not  ensue  until  that  has 
been  evacuated.  In  slight  cases  only  will  a  little  nut-lilie 
induration  form  without  matter. 

Treatment,  In  cases  in  which  injury  has  just  been  sus- 
tained, suspend  work  or  drive  in  a  breast  strap,  and  treat 
as  for  chafing.  If  a  tumor  forms,  first  subdue  the  more 
active  inflammation  by  a  dose  of  physic  and  a  wet  rug 
slung  over  the  shoulder  for  several  days  ;  then  open  it  with 
a  knife,  or  preferably,  draw  off  the  liquid  once  or  twice,  at 
intervals  of  two  or  three  days,  with  a  cannula  and  trocar, 
and  then,  when  the  sac  has  been  reduced  to  a  smaU  size, 
lay  it  freely  open  with  the  knife  and  treat  like  an  ordinary 
wound.  In  very  large  tumors  it  may  be  necessary  to  push 
the  cannula  in  as  far  as  four  or  even  six  inches  before  the 
matter  is  reached,  but  the  operator  must  persevere,  direct- 
ing it  always  toward  the  exact  centre  of  the  swelling.  The 
small  solid  tumors  are  to  be  cut  out  with  the  knife,  a 
straight  vertical  incision  being  made  through  the  skin, 
directly  over  the  mass,  which  is  then  dissected  out,  and 
the  skin  brought  together  with  stitches  and  treated  like 
a  simple  wound. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  CORACO-EADIAJL  TENDON.      SHOULDER  SPRAIN. 

This  is  a  sprain  of  the  large  tendon  which  passes  over 
the  point  of  the  shoulder  (the  most  prominent  part  directly 
in  front),  and  in  bad  cases  the  double  pulley  over  which  it 
plays  in  front  of  the  upper  end  of  the  arm  bone  is  involved 
in  inflammation  and  ulceration. 

Symptoms.  Pendent  head,  dragging  toe,  swinging  out- 
ward of  the  foot  when  being  advanced,  shortness  of  the 
step,  and  a  tendency  to  stand  with  the  toe  only  resting 
on  the  ground  and  the  limb  bent  but  not  advanced.  Swell- 
ing of  the  point  of  the  shoulder  is  sometimes,  though  rarely 
seen,  but  pressure  on  this  point  with  the  thumbs  will 
detect  tenderness,  which  is  especially  marked  as  compared 
with  that  of  the  other  shoulder.  The  pressure  should  be 
27 


418  The  Fanner's  Veterinary  Adviser 

made  successively  on  the  inner  side  of  the  tendon,  on  the 
outer  and  on  its  centre. 

Treatment.  First  subdue  the  inflammation  bj  rest,  a 
high-heeled  shoe  and  a  wet  rug  kept  hanging  continually 
over  the  shoulder  (a  blanket  folded  several  times  and  tied 
round  the  neck  and  chest),  with  or  without  a  purge  and 
lestricted  diet.  When  the  heat  and  tenderness  have  sub- 
sided apply  a  smart  blister  over  the  point  of  the  shoulder, 
and  repeat  if  lameness  persists.  In  obstinate  cases  it  may 
be  needful  to  use  the  hot  iron,  but  only  on  the  outer 
side  of  the  joint,  and  never  on  the  point  where  the  collar 
rests. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  MUSCLES  OUTSIDE  THE  SHOULDER-BLADE. 

This  is  a  sprain  of  the  muscle  which  fills  up  the  poste- 
rior cavity  on  the  outer  side  of  the  shoulder-blade  and 
plays  over  the  outer  side  of  the  shoulder-joint  (outer  tu- 
bercle of  the  head  of  the  humerus).  It  occurs  mainly  in 
young  horses  when  first  put  to  plow  or  in  others  going  on 
uneven  ground  and  stepping  unexpectedly  into  holes.  In 
the  endeavor  to  recover  the  equilibrium  on  stepping  into 
a  furrow  or  hole,  this  muscle  which  forms  the  outer  sup- 
port of  the  joint  is  injured  and  there  result  heat,  sweUing 
and  tenderness  on  the  outside  of  the  joint  and  a  most 
characteristic  gait.  The  horse  may  walk,  or  even  trot, 
without  much  apparent  lameness,  but  standing  directly  in 
front  of  him  the  affected  shoulder  is  seen  to  roll  outward 
from  the  body  to  a  far  greater  extent  than  the  sound  one. 
Soon  the  muscle  begins  to  waste  rapidly,  and  in  bad  cases 
the  shoulder-blade  may  be  denuded  until  it  appears  to  be 
covered  by  nothing  but  skin. 

Treatinpiit.  In  the  first  stages,  with  heat,  swelling  and 
tenderness  outside  the  joint,  rest,  employ  a  wet  rug,  etc., 
as  for  sprain  of  the  coraco-radial  tendon.  When  this  has 
subsided  allow  exercise  on  smooth  ground  (walking,  work- 
ing in  light  cultivator,),  and  increase  the  circulation  ovei 
the  w^asted  muscle  by  active  friction  with  straw  or  a  piece 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.  4 1 0 


of  wood  :  or  by  mild  blisters  (ammonia  1  pt.,  oil  2  pts. :  or 
Spanish  flies  1  part,  alcoliol  25  pts.,  steeped  for  24  hours 
and  strained) :  or  stimulate  with  a  galvanic  battery.  It 
may  take  months  to  refill  the  cavity,  but  in  all  recent 
cases  perseverance  will  be  rewarded.  In  old  standing 
cases  with  fatty  degeneration  of  the  muscles,  a  very  par- 
tial restoration  only  can  be  effected. 

It  must  be  added  that  wasting  of  the  shoulder  muscles 
is  a  common  result  of  all  lameness  entailing  disuse  of  tho 
limb  and  hence  many  injuries  of  the  feet  and  elsewhere 
are  referred  to  the  shoulder  and  designated  sioeeny  (Sclnoiii- 
den)  by  wiseacres.  In  the  absence  of  the  pecuhar  gait 
above  described,  of  the  early  heat,  swelling  and  tender- 
ness outside  the  joint  and  the  rapid  wasting  of  the  mus- 
cle, the  cause  of  the  sweeny  should  be  sought  elsewhero 
than  the  shoulder. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  SHOULDER-JOINT  (INFLAMMATION, 
ULCERATION,  ETC.) 

In  the  large  quadrupeds,  m  which  swelling  and  tender- 
ness on  handling  are  rarely  seen,  disease  in  the  joint  is  to 
be  mainly  distinguished  by  the  general  symptoms  of 
shoulder  lameness  and  the  absence  of  any  of  the  signs  of 
local  disease  in  the  tendons,  abeady  described.  Move- 
ment of  the  joint  by  drawing  the  limb  forward,  and  espe- 
cially by  drawing  it  backward,  will  usually  give  rise  to 
pain,  sometimes  of  an  extreme  nature. 

In  dogs  the  capsule  of  the  joint  is  found  to  bulge  on 
each  side  of  the  coraco-radial  tendon  which  plays  over 
the  point  of  the  shoulder,  and  tenderness  may  be  shown 
when  it  is  handled. 

Treatment.  When  inflammation  is  very  severe  rest  and 
soothing  measures  should  be  first  resorted  to.  In  the 
majority  of  cases  it  assumes  a  subacute  t}^e  and  is  to  be 
treated  by  a  high-heeled  shoe,  rest  and  counter-irritants 
Kepeated  bhstering  with  Spanish  flies  may  suffice,  but  in 
obstinate  cases  and  whenever  there  is  reason  to  suspect 


420  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ulceration,  the  hot  iron  is  most  serviceable,  applied  round 
the  outer  side  of  the  joint  only. 

OTHER  AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  SHOULDER. 

Tlie  shoulder-blade  is  subject  to  fracture,  ulceration 
and  necrosis ;  the  muscles  beneath  the  bone  to  lacera- 
tions ;  the  joint  to  dislocations  (rare  in  large  quadrupeds) ; 
and  the  lymphatic  glands  inside  the  joint  to  abscess  (es- 
pecially in  strangles),  all  of  which  must  be  treated  on  gen- 
eral principles,  space  forbidding  their  further  notice  in 
the  present  work.  Shoulder  lameness  may  further  arise 
from  liver  disease,  which  see. 

AFFECTIONS  OF  THE  ELBOW  AND  ARM. 
Lameness  in  the  region  of  the  elbow  is  characterized 
by  the  inabihty  to  extend  the  joint  fully  or  to  bear  weight 
upon  it  in  this  condition.  In  bad  cases  the  elbow  and 
knee  joints  are  kept  semiflexed  when  standing  still,  and 
when  walking  or  trotting  the  dropping  of  the  head  and 
body  is  extreme,  in  consequence  of  a  similar  flexion. 
Movement  of  the  joint  will  also  give  rise  to  symptoms  of 
tenderness. 

TUMORS  ON  THE  POINT  OF  THE  ELBOW. 

These  are  usually  caused  by  the  heels  of  the  shoe  when 
the  horse  lies  with  his  fore  limbs  bent  under  him  (cow 
fashion)  from  undue  narrowness  of  the  stall. 

Symptoms.  There  is  first  a  hot,  tender  swelhng,  and  if 
the  source  of  injury  is  kept  up,  this  may  increase  by  small 
degrees  to  a  very  large  size.  Soon  the  swelling  fluctuates 
from  contained  serum  and  it  may  remain  thus  indefinitely, 
the  liquid  being  confined  by  the  tough  fibrous  walls.  Or 
the  serum  may  be  absorbed  leaving  a  hard  nut-like  tumor 
with  no  sign  of  fluctuation. 

Treatment.  Sooth  the  early  inflammation  by  fomenta- 
tions or  a  wet  rug  hung  over  the  part,  and  keep  on  a  soft 
laxative  diet.     If  the  amount  of  serum  thrown  out  is 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.   421 

limited,  it  may  be  entirely  re-absorbed  by  using  tincture  oi 
iodine  to  remove  the  swelling.  If  more  abundant  let  it  be 
di*awn  ojff  with  a  cannula  and  trocar  and  the  sac  injected 
with  compound  tincture  of  iodine  diluted  in  double  its 
bulk  of  water.  If  this  is  not  available,  lay  the  sac  freely 
open  at  its  lower  part  and  heal  like  a  common  wound.  If 
a  hard  mass  is  left  beneath  the  skiQ  it  is  to  be  cut  out  as 
advised  for  those  on  the  shoulder. 

By  way  of  jyreventioyi  the  stall  must  be  widened,  and,  in 
the  case  of  animals  that  wiU  lie  on  the  breast,  a  pad  or 
girdle  of  two  or  three  inches  thick  must  be  strapped  round 
the  pastern  at  night  to  prevent  the  heel  striking  against 
the  elbow.  This  pad  must  be  soft,  covered  with  chamois's 
leather,  made  without  a  seam  on  its  outer  side,  and  buckled 
above  and  below  so  that  nothing  hard  may  touch  the  elbow. 

WOUNDS  OF  THE  ELBOW. 

Wounds  in  this  situation  are  often  complicated  Avith  air 
under  the  skin  puffing  up  the  whole  region,  having  been 
pumped  in  by  the  movements  of  the  elbow.  Kest  is 
requisite  and  the  wound  may  be  treated  as  others. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  POINT  OF  THE  ELBOW. 

This  is  easily  recognized,  as  the  leg  dangles,  bending  at 
the  elbow  and  knee,  and  it  is  impossible  to  bear  any  weight 
on  it.  On  taking  hold  of  the  back  of  the  elbow  the  proc- 
ess of  bone  is  found  to  be  detached  and  loose.  If  excess- 
ive sweUing  prevents  this,  place  the  foot  upon  the  ground, 
bend  back  the  knee  forcibly  and  let  an  assistant  raise  the 
opposite  fore  foot.  If  the  bone  is  broken  he  will  drop,  if 
the  muscles  only  are  injured  he  may  stand. 

Treatment  If  the  injury  has  occurred  from  a  kick, 
which  has  seriously  contused  the  joint  surfaces,  all  treat- 
ment may  be  futile,  but  if  not,  the  case  will  be  hopeful 
and  especially  in  the  young.  Bring  the  detached  bone  as 
nearly  as  possible  into  position  and  retain  it  by  a  pad 
placed  inside  the  elbow,  and  a  bandage  and  splints  con- 


422  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tinned  from  the  foot  np.     The  patient  must  be  placed  in 
slings. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  ELBOW-JOINT. 

This  must  be  diagnosed  by  the  general  symptoms  of 
elbow  lameness  and  by  pain  in  moving  the  joint,  but  espe- 
cially when  it  is  fully  extended. 

Treatment  as  for  diseased  shoulder-joint,  the  applications 
in  this  case  being  made  to  the  elbow.  If  far  advanced  or 
if  connected  with  fracture  of  the  lower  end  of  the  arm 
bone  or  of  that  forming  the  point  of  the  elbow,  it  will 
usually  be  unsatisfactory. 

FBACTUEE  OF  THE  ARM  BONE. 

Fracture  of  the  large  bone  between  the  point  of  the 
shoulder  and  the  elbow  may  occur  from  blows,  or  even 
wrong  steps,  and  is  often  attended  by  much  swelling  from 
extravasation  of  blood.  The  only  resort  is  to  place  the 
animal  in  slings  and  keep  him  perfectly  quiet.  In  rare 
cases  recovery  has  taken  place  with  no  distortion,  the  bro- 
ken ends,  in  a  transverse  fracture,  remaining  in  apposition. 
Usually  they  are  drawn  apart  by  the  muscles  and  ride 
over  each  other  so  that  the  limb  is  shortened.  Such  a  re- 
sult is  only  desirable  in  breeding  horses  and  in  stock  for 
dairy  or  butcher. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  FORE- ARM. 

Fractures  between  the  elbow  and  knee  in  horses  or 
cattle  necessarily  leave  the  animal  unable  to  rest  on  the 
limb  ;  if  in  dogs  or  cats  one  of  the  bones  may  be  broken 
while  the  other  remains  unharmed  and  weight  can  stiU  bo 
borne.  There  is  trembhng  of  the  muscles,  distortion 
easily  felt  on  carrying  the  hand  down  the  inner  side  along 
the  line  of  the  bone,  and  gi-ating  when  the  limb  is  moved. 

Treatment.  If  the  fracture  is  very  oblique  treatment 
wiU  rarely  pay  in  horses,  but  if  transverse  or  jagged  so 
that  the  bones  do  not  ride,  the  case  is  very  hopeful.     Set 


Si^ccial  Injuries  ofBones^  Joints  and  Muscles    423 

ting  the  bones,  with  the  aid  of  extension  and  counter- 
extension,  or  even  ether  if  necessary,  applying  splints  and 
bandages  from  the  foot  to  the  elbow,  and  placing  in  slings 
(if  a  large  animal)  are  the  essential  conditions. 

SPBAIN  OF  THE  RADIAL  LIGAMENT. 

This  is  an  injury  of  a  strong,  flat,  fibrous  band,  coming 
from  the  lower  third  of  the  fore-arm  and  joining  the  back 
tendons  just  above  the  knee.  It  is  characterized  by  a 
tendency  to  carry  the  pastern  upright,  or  even  to  flex  the 
knee  and  to  stumble.  The  knee  cannot  be  fully  flexed 
without  much  pain,  and  there  is  a  liot  tender  swelling 
immediately  behind  the  bone  and  extending  from  the  knee 
about  four  inches  upward. 

Treat  by  rest,  a  laxative,  a  high-heeled  shoe,  and  fo- 
mentations or  cooHng  astringent  lotions ;  followed  when 
heat  and  tenderness  subside  by  active  bhstering  should 
lameness  continue. 

SPRAIN  OP  THE  BACK  TENDONS  BEHIND  THE  KNEE. 
THOROUGH-PIN  OF  THE  KNEE. 

This  is  manifested  by  a  tense  fluctuating  swelling  on 
each  side  of  the  back  tendons  just  above  the  knee  and 
behind  the  bone  of  the  fore-arm  ;  also  of  a  swelling  behind 
and  immediately  below  the  knee,  pressure  on  one  of  these 
swelHngs  causing  the  filling  up  of  the  others  and  vice 
versa.  There  may  or  may  not  be  much  lameness,  or  im- 
possibility of  flexing  the  knee  so  as  to  bring  the  fetlock 
pad  in  contact  with  the  elbow. 

Treat  the  inflammation  as  in  sprained  radial  Hgament, 
and  the  liquid  distension  by  blister,  by  bandage  and  pads 
shaped  like  haK  of  an  egg  cut  longitudinally,  or  still  better 
by  evacuating  the  hquid  with  the  nozzle  of  a  hypodermic 
S}Tingc,  and  then  applying  pressure  with  wet  bandages. 

SYNOVIAL  SWELLINGS  IN  FRONT  OF  THE  KNEE. 

These  are  of  three  kinds  :  1st,  the  distension  of  a  bursa 
or  formation  of  a  serous  cyst  under  the  skin,  exceedingly 


424  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

common  in  heavy  cattle ;  2d,  distension  of  the  theca  of 
one  or  more  of  the  four  tendons  which  pass  over  the  front 
and  outer  side  of  the  loiee  ;  3d,  and  finally,  disease  inside 
the  knee-joint  and  distension  of  its  capsule.  The  first  is 
superficial  though  often  possessed  of  very  thick  walls,  is 
generally  diffused  over  the  front  of  the  joint,  and  is  little 
affected  by  flexion  or  extension.  The  distended  thecae 
extend  vertically  along  the  Hues  of  the  tendons,  reaching 
above  and  below  the  joint  and  are  bound  down  at  in- 
tervals by  transverse  bands ;  their  size  is  little  affected  by 
bending  the  joint.  ^Distensions  of  the  joint  capsule  ap- 
pear in  the  intervals  between  the  tendons,  do  not  extend 
beyond  the  joint  except  in  very  extreme  cases,  and  disap- 
pear in  part  or  entirely  when  the  joint  is  bent ;  in  this 
case  the  joint  is  rarely  kept  fully  extended  in  standing 
and  cannot  usually  be  flexed  to  make  the  fetlock  touch 
the  elbow. 

Treatment.  For  Subcutaneous  cysts  puncture  with  nozzle 
of  h}^odermic  syringe,  draw  off  the  liquid  and  compress 
strongly  with  wet  bandages.  If  this  cannot  be  done,  pass 
a  tape  from  above  downward  through  the  cavity  of  the 
sac,  and  keep  in  until  resulting  suppuration  has  ceased, 
when  it  may  be  withdrawn  from  above  downward  a  little 
at  a  time.  Excess  of  inflammation  may  be  subdued  by 
fomentations  and  thick  wet  bandages. 

The  distended  tJiecce  may  be  punctured  with  a  nozzle  of 
a  h3^odermic  syringe  and  subjected  to  pressure,  or  treated 
with  strong  bhsters  (biniodide  of  mercury  2  dr.,  lard  1  oz.,) 
repeatedly  applied ;  or  simple  pressure  will  suffice  if  kept 
up  for  some  weeks  increasing  the  time  daily.  Setons 
would  be  dangerous. 

For  distended  joint  see  below. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KNEE-JOINT. 

This  may  be  seen  in  all  stages  from  that  in  which  the 
animal  starts  forward  perceptibly  at  the  knee  and  mani- 
fests suffering  when  you  try  to  fully  extend  it  by  strong 


special  Injuries  of  Bones  Joints  and  Muscles.  425 

pressure  on  its  anterior  surface,  to  the  most  violent  and 
destructive  inflammation  with  extensive  exudation  of  lymph 
and  even  the  formation  of  abscess.  It  tends  to  leave  the 
puflfy  swellings  of  its  capsule  referred  to  under  the  preced- 
ing heading,  or  distinct  hard  bony  enlargements  on  the 
anterior  surface  of  the  joint.  The  animal  stands  squarely 
upon  his  feet  with  no  inclination  to  raise  the  heel,  and  in 
action  carries  the  knee-joint  comparatively  unbent,  takes 
a  fairly  long  step  and  comes  down  with  greatest  force  on 
the  heels  so  as  to  wear  the  shoe  at  this  point.  A  rider 
has  a  pecuHar  sensation  of  the  chest  sinking  under  him. 
The  lameness  increases  with  exercise,  especially  on  hard 
surfaces. 

Treatment.  Kest,  without  shoes  ;  subdue  inflammation 
by  soothing  appHcations,  after  which  blister  the  part.  If 
the  animal  persists  in  using  it  too  freely,  apply  splints  and 
bandages  to  fix  the  joint,  and  place  in  slings. 

WOUNDS  OF  THE  KNER 

Dislocation  of  the  knee-joint  with  laceration  of  the 
lateral  ligaments  occurs,  and  though  if  put  in  splints  and 
slings  the  patients  will  sometimes  recover  with  a  stiff  knee, 
the  result  is  a  very  undesirable  one. 

Bruise  of  the  Inner  Side  of  the  Knee.  Speedy  Cut. 
This  usually  results  from  a  blow  with  the  opposite  foot,  in 
horses  with  high  action,  in  those  with  narrow  chests,  or, 
above  all,  in  horses  driven  in  the  snow-path.  It  is  mani- 
fested by  an  inflammatory  swelhng  on  the  prominence  of 
bone  inside  the  joint,  resulting  in  a  permanent  scar,  a 
serous  sac  or  an  abscess.  Its  early  or  inflammatory  stage 
may  be  treated  by  lotions  of  cold  water  or  astringent 
liquids,  kept  constantly  appHed;  the  serous  effusion  by 
pressure  or  by  drawing  off  the  liquid  through  a  fine  tube, 
and  then  bandaging,  and  abscess  by  a  free  incision  with  a 
knife  or  lancet. 

To  prevent  keep  the  foot  rather  bare  inside,  with  the 
shoe  slightly  beveled  from  its  wearing  to  its  bearing  sur- 


42G  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 

face,  allow  no  ragged  nail  clinches  to  project,  and  re-ad- 
just the  shoe  sufficiently  often  (every  three  weeks).  Or  a 
boot  may  be  worn  extending  from  the  fetlock  to  the  knee 
and  with  a  rim  at  its  upper  part  to  warn  the  animal  when 
his  foot  approaches  this  point. 

Wounds  in  Fbont  of  the  Knees.  Broken  Knees.  Usu- 
ally sustained  in  falling,  but  it  may  be  by  striking  against 
a  manger  or  other  hard  object.  They  are  of  all  degrees 
of  severity :  1st,  simple  loss  of  hair  and  slight  abrasion  of 
the  scarfskin ;  2d,  a  severe  bruise  of  the  skin  without 
laceration;  3d,  a  wound  extending  no  deeper  than  the 
skin ;  4th,  a  wound  laying  bare  the  tendons  and  opening 
their  sheaths  ;  5th,  a  wound  laying  open  the  joint  and  ex- 
posing the  bones  with  or  without  laceration  of  the  tendons  ; 
and  6th,  when  the  joint  is  opened  and  the  small  bones  of 
the  knee  broken. 

Treatment.  1st,  With  simple  abrasion  no  treatment  is 
needed ;  2d,  if  much  bruised  tie  short  to  a  high  rack  to 
prevent  Ijdng  down  and  bandage  lightly,  using  a  mild 
astringent  lotion  (sugar  of  lead  ^  oz.,  carbohc  acid  60 
di'ops,  water  2  qts.) ;  3d,  in  all  cases  in  which  the  wound 
extends  through  the  skin  it  is  desirable  to  bend  the  knee 
to  the  position  occupied  when  wounded  so  that  the  deep 
wounds  may  correspond  with  the  supei-ficial,  and  wash  off 
with  a  stream  of  tepid  water  or  soft  clean  sponge  all  dirt 
or  foreign  bodies,  but  never  probe  nor  run  any  risk  of 
opening  cavities  which  have  not  been  injured.  Any  slireds 
of  tissue  which  are  absolutely  dead  should  be  cut  off,  but 
never  remove  any  skin,  however  contused,  as  it  will  all  be 
wanted.  Then  cutting  the  hair  from  the  flaps  of  the 
wound  above  and  below  bring  them  together  by  straps  of 
plaster  or  tow  dipped  in  shellac  paste,  leaving  sufficient 
intervals  for  the  escape  of  matter.  If  the  wound  inflames 
and  swells,  give  a  purgative  and  di'ess  with  the  lotion  ad- 
vised for  bruised  knee.  In  aU  severe  cases  it  is  desirable 
to  sling  the  patient  after  the  first  few  days  to  obviate  any 
attempt  to  lie  down,  which  would  seriously  protract  the 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.   427 

case ;  4tli,  the  exposure  of  the  tendons,  with  escape  of 
glairy  synovia,  will  entail  more  swelling  and  fever  and  per- 
manent enlargement  of  the  joint,  but  will  demand  the 
same  course  of  treatment;  5th,  when  the  tendons  are 
crushed  or  torn  and  the  joint  opened,  and  above  all  when 
the  bones  are  broken  we  have  cases  of  increasing  severity 
and  in  few  such  is  it  desii-able  to  subject  to  treatment,  un- 
less the  patient  is  to  be  valuable  for  breeding  purposes. 
Considerable  death  of  tendon  and  even  necrosis  and  elimi- 
nation of  bone  may  be  expected  and  the  patient  can  only 
recover  with  a  stiff  joint.  In  addition  to  the  measures 
already  recommended,  it  becomes  imperative  to  encase 
the  limb  up  to  the  elbow  in  spHnts  and  bandages,  as  for  a 
fracture,  leaving  open  the  part  in  front  of  the  knee  for 
dressing  the  wound. 

SPLINTS. 

These  are  circumscribed  inflammations  of  the  perios- 
teum and  small  bones  in  the  region  of  the  shank,  involving 
or  not  the  shank-bones  themselves,  and  resulting  in  small 
bony  swellings.    They  occur  almost  invariably  on  the  inner 

Fig.  67. 


Fig.  67— Splint. 

side  of  the  limb,  between  the  large  and  small  bones  of  the 
shank,  and  may  usually  be  recognized  by  running  the 
fingers  down  the  slight  groove  formed  between  the  main 
shank-bone  and  its  small  accessory  one  behind.  It  usually 
connects  the  large  bone  to  the  small  (anchylosis),  but  may 
be  confined  to  the  posterior  part  of  the  small  bone,  or  may 
extend  across  the  back  of  the  shank-bone  and  appear  at 
the  same  level  on  the  inner  and  outer  sides  of  the  limb 


428  Tlie  Fanner'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

alike.  In  old  horses  it  is  not  unfrequent  to  find  the  small 
bone  united  to  the  large  along  two-thkds  of  its  length.  If 
situated  high  up  and  close  to  the  knee,  it  is  more  likely  to 
cause  continued  lameness  than  if  lower  down.  Again  if 
an  animal  has  several  splints  and  other  diseases  of  bone 
he  is  highly  objectionable,  as  being  predisposed  to  bone 
disease. 

Symptoms.  Beside  the  feeling  of  the  splints  on  hand- 
ling, as  above  mentioned,  these  symptoms  may  be  seen. 
The  patient  may  walk  sound,  or  even  trot  so,  on  soft 
ground,  but  is  exceedingly  lame  when  trotted  on  a  hard 
surface,  and  this  lameness  increases  with  exercise.  The 
extreme  di'ooping  of  the  head  is  characteristic.  Even 
before  the  formation  of  the  splint  tenderness  may  be 
shown  on  pressure,  and  some  little  heat  recognized.  In 
some  cases  considerable  soft  swelling  may  be  felt  in  the 
early  stages.  In  acute  cases,  threatening  abscess,  the 
lameness  is  extreme. 

Treat7iient.  In  the  early  stages,  rest,  purge,  and  apply 
cooling  lotions.  When  heat  and  tenderness  subside,  bhs- 
ter.  Some  cases  will  recover  promptly,  others  requii'e 
repeated  bhstering  and  a  long  period  of  rest.  If  heat  and 
gi-eat  tenderness  return,  resort  again  to  soothing  measures. 
In  extreme  tenderness,  threatening  the  formation  of  mat- 
ter, the  periosteum  should  be  di^dded  with  a  very  narrow- 
bladed  knife  which  is  passed  through  the  skin  half  an  inch 
below  the  swelling  and  carried  up  over  it.  The  part  must 
then  be  covered  by  a  wet  bandage. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  MEMBEANE  COVERING  THE  SHANK-BONE. 
SORE  SHINS. 

This  occurs  'especially  in  over- worked  young  horses. 
Eacers  are  \gyj  liable,  but  cart-horses  are  not  exempt 
There  is  general  tumefaction  of  the  shank-bone  or  of  some 
part  of  it,  usually  the  lower,  with  a  lameness  gi-eatly  re- 
sembling that  of  splints.  If  slight  and  ch'cumscribed,  the 
exudation  that  takes  place  between  the  membrane  and 


Special  Injuries  ofBoneSj  Joints  and  Muscles.   429 

tlie  bone  is  ossified,  giving  rise  to  permanent  thickening, 
and  exudation  outside  the  membrane  may  follow  a  similar 
course,  causing  a  very  considerable  sweUing.  In  the  more 
severe  cases,  the  abundant  exudation,  separating  the 
membrane  from  the  bone,  may  cut  off  the  supply  of  blood 
and  entail  necrosis ;  or  the  lymph  may  degenerate  into 
pus  which  burrows  beneath  the  membrane,  separating  it 
fi'om  the  bone  and  destroying  the  life  of  the  latter. 

Treatment.  In  mild  cases  treat  like  splints.  In  the 
very  severe  with  gi-eat  tenderness  and  doughy  swelling  of 
the  bone,  make  a  series  of  incisions  through  the  membrane 
covering  the  bone,  with  a  very  narrow-bladed  knife  and 
by  valvular  wounds,  passing  the  blade  a  short  distance 
beneath  the  skin  before  cutting  down  on  the  bone.  Then 
apply  the  lotion  advised  for  broken  knees. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  SPLINT  BONES. 

The  lower  ends  of  the  small  bones  of  the  shank  are 
liable  to  be  broken,  the  lesion  being  made  out  by  the 
swelling  at  the  point  and  the  unnatural  mobility  of  the 
lower  end  of  the  bone,  though  grating  is  not  to  be  ex- 
pected. No  treatment  is  needed  beyond  a  cooling  bandage 
and  rest. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  SHANK-BONE. 

This  is  broken  by  kicks,  blows,  or  simply  by  con- 
cussion in  exercise.  The  superficial  position  of  the 
bono  renders  all  distortion  very  apparent,  and  this  with 
the  impossibility  of  resting  weight  on  the  limb  and  the 
grating  of  the  broken  ends  when  handled  are  unmistak- 
able. 

Treatment.  If  comminitted,  as  it  often  'is,  the  animal 
had  best  be  slaughtered.  If  only  compound,  hopes  may 
be  entertained,  especially  in  yoimg  animals,  an  opening 
being  made  in  the  bandage  to  dress  the  wound.  If  sim- 
ple and  the  fracture  not  too  oblique,  nothing  is  easier  than 
to  set  it,  to  envelop  it  in  a  bandage  extending  over  and 


430  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

fixing  the  knee,  and  to  keep  the  patient  in  slings  trntil 
union  has  taken  place. 

SPRAINS  OP  THE  BACK  TENDONS. 

These  are  the  two  cords  which  form  the  posterior  liae 
of  the  Hmb  between  the  knee  and  the  fetlock.     About 
midway  down  the  shank  the  front  one  is  joined  by  a  strong 
cord  coming  fi'om  the  upper  end  of  the  cannon-bone  and 
the  lower  row  of  small  knee  bones.     This  last  is  by  far 
the  most  frequent  seat  of  sprain,  so  that  the  swelling  and 
tenderness  are  observed  between  the  upper  half  of  the 
cannon-bone  and  the  round  cord  which  forms  the  posterior 
outline  of  the  limb.     In  other  cases  the  tendons  have 
participated  in  the  sprain,  and  they  too  are  thickened  and 
tender  from  the  middle  of  the  shank  (the  point  of  junction 
with  the  Hgament)  down  to  the  fetlock.     In  a  third  class 
the  sprain  is  confined  to  an  inch  or  two  above  the  fetlock. 
In  these  the  swelling  is  to  the  two  sides  if  the  anterior  of 
the  two  tendons  is  injured  and  backward  if  the  posterior 
is  sprained.     The  symptoms  are  a  stumbling  gait,  with 
a  tendency  to  stub  the  toe  into  the  ground  and  to  beud 
over  at  the  knee  and  fetlock ;  an  inclination  to  stand  with 
the  knee  and  fetlock  sHghtly  bent,  the  pastern  upright  or 
the  heel  a  little  raised ;  then  passing  the  hand  along  the 
line  of  the  tendons  and  in  front  of  them  in  the  upper  half 
of  the  bone,  the  thumb  on  one  side  and  the  fingers  on  the 
other,  any  slight  thickening  is  easily  recognized,  and  if 
heat  exists  and  pain  on  pinching,  your  suspicions  are  con- 
firmed.    In  old  bad  cases  the   stay  ligament  and   lower 
half  of  the  tendons  are  greatly  thickened  throughout  and 
the  knee  kept  constantly  bent,  sometimes  to  the  extent  of 
causing  the  patient  to  walk  on  the  front  of  the  hoof.     lu 
other  cases  the  cords  are  knotted,  hard  and  wanting  in 
suppleness,  showing  calcification  of  their  substance. 

Treatment.  In  the  early  stages  of  severe  cases,  rest, 
ehorten  the  toe,  apply  a  high-heeled  shoe,  and  apply  hot 
fomentation    continuously,    or    cold    astringent    lotions. 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.   43 1 

When  heat  and  tenderness  have  subsided  the  high-heeled 
shoe  may  be  dispensed  with,  the  foot  shod  level  and  active 
bhsters  applied.  The  preparations  of  the  iodides  of  mer- 
cury are  among  the  best.  In  old  cases  of  extreme  con- 
traction the  tendons  can  be  cut  across  by  a  narrow- 
bladed  knife  with  *as  little  external  wound  as  possible, 
and  the  limb  extended  to  its  proper  form  and  retained 
there  by  splints  and  bandages  until  new  fibrous  tissues 
fills  up  the  interval  between  the  divided  ends.  The  oper- 
ation is  performed  in  the  middle  of  the  shank  below  the 
connection  with  the  stay  ligament  and  is  very  successful 
in  appropriate  cases,  restoring  a  helpless  cripple  to  perfect 
usefulness.  For  the  minutiae  of  the  operation  the  reader 
is  referred  to  our  larger  work.  Calcified,  knotted  tendons 
are  utterly  unsuited  to  it. 

SPBAIN  OF  THE  SUSPENSORY  LIGAMENT. 

This  structure  lies  between  the  shank-bone  and  the 
back  tendons  and  extends  from  the  back  of  the  lower  part 
of  the  knee  to  the  little  bones  (sesamoids)  which  form  the 
pulley  for  the  tendons  behind  the  fetlock,  with  prolonga- 
tions forward  on  the  sides  of  the  pastern  to  join  the  ex- 
tensor tendon  of  the  foot.  The  seat  of  sprain  may  be  at 
any  part  but  is  usually  in  the  lower  third  of  the  shank, 
where  it  divides  into  an  inner  and  an  outer  branch.  The 
sprain  may  cause  but  the  slightest  perceptible  swelling  on 
one  of  these  branches  or  the  ligament  may  be  completely 
torn  across,  the  fetlock  descending  to  the  ground  and  the 
toe  turning  up.  Any  injury  to  this  ligament  is  likely  to 
cause  more  persistent  lameness  than  a  corresponding  in- 
jury to  the  back  tendons,  seeing  it  is  a  mechanical  support 
to  the  fetlock  and  is  always  on  the  strain  when  the  animal 
stands  upon  the  Hmb. 

Symptoms.  Persistent,  often  severe  lameness,  upright 
pastern,  stumbling  gait  or  undue  lowering  of  the  fetlock 
when  weight  is  thrown  upon  the  limb.  Then  by  bringing 
the  fingers  and  thumb  down  the  line  of  the  cord  felt  im- 


432  The  Farmers  Veterinary  Adviser. 

mediately  beliind  the  lower  haK  of  the  shank-bone  be- 
tween it  and  the  back  tendons,  some  enlargement  is 
detected  with  heat  and  tenderness.  In  bad  cases,  with 
descent  of  the  fetlock,  the  whole  length  of  the  cord  is 
thickened  and  the  infiltration  of  the  surrounding  parts 
gives  the  whole  back  of  the  Hmb  a  soft  doughy  feeling. 
Treatment  is  much  less  satisfactory  than  in  sprains  of  the 
back  tendons  but  the  principles  are  the  same,  though 
a  much  longer  period  of  rest  and  bhstering  is  usually 
demanded.  In  severe  forms  with  descent  of  the  fetlock, 
that  must  be  supported  by  splints  and  bandages,  in  the 
same  manner  as  after  cutting  the  back  tendons,  otherwise 
the  limb  will  be  permanently  distorted.  These  severe 
cases,  which  usually  result  from  the  most  violent  exertions 
in  racing  or  hunting,  rarely  recover  so  as  to  be  fit  for  such 
work  in  future,  though  they  may  be  useful  for  service  at  a 
sloAv  pace. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  BACK  TENDONS  OVER  THE  FETLOCK  PULLEY. 
WIND- GALLS.      SESAMOIDITIS. 

This  is  the  result  of  sprains  or  severe  exertions  and  is  al- 
ways associated  with  round  elastic  synovial  swellings  on 
each  side  of  the  tendons,  famiharly  known  as  puffs  or  loind- 
galls.  Similar  sweUings  arise,  independent  of  sprains,  as 
the  result  of  over-exertion  or  di^opsy  of  the  j)art.  The 
swellings  may  become  solid  by  coagulation  of  the  lymph 
and  may  be  absorbed  or  organized,  or  the  inflammation 
may  attack  the  bone,  leading  to  ulceration  and  bony  de- 
posits. Similar  bony  deposits  with  or  without  ulceration 
may  take  place  on  these  small  bones  in  connection  with 
injuries  of  the  suspensory  ligament. 

Treatment.  Simple  tvind-galls,  dropsical  or  from  over- 
exertion, may  be  made  to  disappear  by  persistent  pressure 
with  a  bandage  and  pads  appHed  at  first  two  hours  tmce 
a  day,  and  two  hours  more  every  day  thereafter,  until 
they  can  be  kept  on  all  the  time.  It  may,  however,  re- 
quire five  or  six  weeks   and  should  be  stopped  if  i1 


special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  amd  Muscles,   433 


causes  inflammation  in  the  sac.  Another  plan  is  to  draw 
off  the  liquid  through  the  nozzle  of  a  hypodermic  syringe 
and  apply  a  firm  wet  bandage.  In  some  quiet  animals 
a  weak  solution  of  iodine  may  be  injected,  but  this  is  too 
often  injm-ious  or  at  least  fruitless,  from  the  irritability  of 
the  horse.  Eecent  puffs  will  sometimes  disappear  mider 
strong  astringent  lotions  (oak-bark  and  alum)  or  under  an 
active  blister,  or  after  firing,  the  contraction  of  the  skin 
during  healing  appearing  to  be  a  principal  cause  of  their 
absorption. 

Where  there  is  sprain  with  much  heat,  tenderness  and 
tension,  treat  by  rest,  purgative,  a  high-heeled  shoe,  and 
fomentations  or  cooling  astringent  lotions,  to  be  followed 
by  blisters  when  the  tenderness  subsides. 

Disease  of  the  bones  {Sesamoiditis)  must  be  treated 
with  severe  blisters  and  even  firing,  with  long  continued 
rest,  but  if  ulcers  ah-eady  exist  on  the  gliding  surface  of 
the  bones  a  complete  recovery  need  scarcely  be  looked  for. 

SPRAIN   OF   THE   INFERIOR   SESAMOID   LIGAMENTS. 

T/ie  ligaments  helow  these pxtlleij-shajped  horns  behind  the 
fetlock  are  sometimes  sprained,  causing  great  lameness 
with  swelling  and  tenderness  below  the  fetlock  pad. 
Treat  as  for  injury  to  the  suspensory  ligament. 

ELASTIC    SWELLING   IN   FRONT   OF   THE   FETLOCK. 

These  are  of  two  kinds:  1st,  a  serous  abscess  or  en- 
larged bursa  under  the  skin:  and  2d,  the  distension  of 
a  large  synovial  bursa  between  the  extensor  tendon  and 
the  capsule  of  the  joint.  The  first  swells  out  as  a  imiform 
rounded  tumor  on  the  front  of  the  joint.  The  second  has 
at  first  the  appearance  of  a  double  tumor  from  the  swell- 
ing appearing  at  the  twQ  sides  of  the  extensor  tendon,  and 
it  is  only  in  severe  cases  and  advanced  stages  that  these 
meet  over  the  centre.  They  usually  result  from  pricks  or 
bruises,  though  the  second  form  may  be  associated  with 
sprain.     Any  existing  inflammation  should  be  subdued  by 

28 


434  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Achiser, 

soothing  measures  and  a  blister  applied  early  to  secure 
absoi-ption  of  the  liquid  if  possible.  Should  this  fail  the 
liquid  may  be  drawn  off  as  advised  for  wind-galls,  and  the 
part  tightly  bandaged.  Or  a  fi-ee  incision  may  be  made 
in  the  lower  part  of  the  sac  and  wet  bandages  applied  to 
keep  down  inflammatory  action,  while  the  sac  is  obliter- 
ated by  healing  from  the  bottom. 

DISEASE   OF  THE   FETLOCK   JOINT. 

This  is  occasionally  the  seat  of  simple  dropsical  effusion, 
causing  it  to  swell  out  like  wind-galls  on  the  inner  and  outer 
sides,  just  above  the  sesamoid  bones.  The  swellings  are, 
however,  placed  more  anteriorly  than  distensions  of  the 
tendinous  sheath,  aud  pressure  upon  them  does  not  cause 
bulging  nor  fluctuation  behind  and  below  the  fetlock,  on 
the  line  of  the  tendons.  This  is  not  necessarily  connected 
with  lameness,  though  if  the  result  of  inflammation  of  the 
joint,  that  is  more  likely.  Inflammation  of  the  joint  may 
be  recognized  by  the  habitual  resting  of  the  leg,  which 
starts  forward  at  the  fetlock,  by  the  appearance  of  wind- 
galls  just  described,  and  by  a  swelling  heat  and  tenderness 
of  the  entire  joint.  Bending  the  jomt  fully  causes  intense 
pain  as  does  also  full  extension. 

Treatment  does  not  differ  fi-om  that  of  other  inflamed 
joints.     (See  page  401.) 

DISLOCATION   OF   THE   FETLOCK. 

This  occurs  like  that  of  the  knee  in  connection  with 
rupture  of  the  lateral  ligaments.  We  have  had  recoveries 
so  as  to  be  very  useful  for  farm  work  by  reducing  the  dis- 
location and  fixing  with  splints  and  bandages,  but  this 
cannot  by  any  means  be  calculated  on. 

BLOWS   ON   THE   INSIDE   OF  THE   FETLOCK.      CUTTINQ. 

Like  cutting  on  the  inner  side  of  the  knee,  this  arises 
from  blows  received  in  action.  Weak  animals  with  turned- 
out  toes  and  distorted  feet  are  most  liable.     It  is  to  bo 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  435 

treated  by  soothing  measures,  and  if  the  bones  or  joints 
become  involved,  treat  as  advised  for  the  respective  in 
juries. 

To  prevent  J  let  the  feet  be  kept  a  little  bare  on  the  inner 
side  and  the  shoes  slightly  leveled  off,  but  avoid  lowering 
the  foot  or  thinning  the  shoe  on  the  inner  side.  On  the 
contrary  a  very  slight  thickening  of  the  shoe  on  the  inside 
is  sometimes  beneficial,  by  straightening  up  the  fetlock 
and  removing  it  from  danger.  If  this  fails  wear  a  leather 
boot  with  a  projecting  rim,  or  a  simple  woolen  bandage. 
Li  weak  subjects  benefit  is  often  derived  from  bringing 
into  a  better  condition  of  health. 

FRACTUEES  OF  THE  PASTERN  BONES. 

These  are  exceedingly  common  in  horses  running  on 
hard  ground  or  even  on  soft  movable  sand.  They  are  of 
all  degrees  of  severity,  from  a  simple  split  without  separa- 
tion of  the  broken  pieces,  to  a  complete  shattering  of  the 
bone  into  a  dozen  fragments  or  more.  Simple  fractures 
are  usually  oblique,  or  even  vertical,  the  bone  being  split 
in  two  nearly  equal  lateral  halves,  but  transverse  breaks 
are  also  seen. 

Symptoms.  In  shattered  specimens  the  case  is  easily 
made  out  and  the  victim  should  be  destroyed  at  once.  In 
cases  of  detachment  sufficient  to  allow  gi-ating  when  the 
bones  are  moved  (flexed  and  extended)  there  is  as  little 
difficulty.  But  in  cases  of  splitting  without  detachment, 
the  parts  being  held  firmly  together  by  the  strong  fibrous 
investments,  the  case  is  liable  to  be  mistaken.  There  is 
the  fact  that  the  injury  occurred  suddenly  during  action, 
the  horse  at  once  showing  lameness,  more  extreme  on  hard 
ground ;  there  is  no  injury  to  ligaments  nor  tendons ;  but 
pain  when  the  pastern  is  fully  flexed,  and  with  or  without 
swelUng  on  the  bone  there  is  a  line  of  tenderness  which 
can  easily  be  traced  with  the  fingers  and  coiTesponds  to  the 
fracture. 

Treatment.     Place  the  patient  in  slings,  and  if  grating 


436  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

is  heard  apply  a  strong  bandage  to  above  the  fetlock.  li 
no  grating  sooth  the  early  inflammation  for  a  day  or  two, 
then  render  the  parts  immovable  by  a  smart  blister  on  the 
front  and  sides  of  the  pastern  from  the  hoof  to  the  fetlock. 
Such  cases  usually  do  well,  though  if  the  fracture  extends 
into  a  joint  the  recovery  is  likely  to  be  imperfect. 

In  the  smaller  animals  bandages  are  requisite  for  fract- 
ure of  the  digital  bones. 

BONY  GROWTHS  ON  THE  PASTERN  BONES.   RINGBONES. 

These  usually  begin  as  inflammation  of  the  membrane 
covering  the  bones,  and  at  such  points  as  give  attachment 
to  ligaments,  namely :  the  lateral  aspects  of  the  lower  or 
small  pastern  bone,  and  of  the  lower  end  of  the  upper  or 

Fig.  68. 


rig.  68— Ringbones— high  and  low.  The  rough  irregular  deposits  of  ne>» 
bone  are  shown  on  the  lateral  parts  of  the  large  and  small  pastern  bones 
respectively. 

large  bone.  There  is  a  circumscribed,  tender  and  some- 
what elastic  swelKng,  with  more  or  less  soft,  doughy  en- 
gorgement of  the  investing  soft  parts,  and  in  course  oi 
time  the  exuded  matter,  at  first  soft,  becomes  hard  and 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones ,  Joints  and  Muscles.  437 

bonj.  The  process  in  the  early  stages  often  appears  to 
consist  in  the  dragging  of  the  periosteum  and  vessels  from 
the  surface  and  the  development  of  bone  beneath.  But  as 
the  disease  advances  the  whole  surface  of  one  or  both 
bones  may  become  involved,  leading  to  a  general  deposi- 
tion of  new  bony  matter,  extending,  it  may  be,  over  the 
joint  between  the  two  pastern  bones,  or  between  the  lower 
pastern  and  the  bone  of  the  foot,  and  abolishing  all  move- 
ment. Ringbones  may  also  take  origin  in  partial  fract- 
ures, in  concussion,  in  rheumatoid  disease,  and  in  faults 
of  nutrition,  in  which  the  earthy  salts  are  largely  passed 
with  the  urine. 

Symptoms.  Lameness  may  be  almost  altogether  absent, 
or  it  may  be  extreme  in  such  cases  as  are  attended  by  act- 
ive inflammation  of  the  bone  or  joint,  or  when  the  joint 
has  become  fixed  by  bony  deposit.  The  heel  may  be  first 
brought  to  the  ground  or,  in  the  hind  foot,  the  fetlock 
may  knuckle  over  and  the  toe  strikes  first.  The  lameness 
is  worst  on  hard  ground  and  usually  increases  with  exer- 
cise. Swelling  may  be  scarcely  perceptible  and  confined 
to  the  inner  or  outer  side  of  one  pastern  bone,  or  it  may 
be  an  extreme  enlargement  of  the  whole  pastern  region. 
It  may  be  hard  throughout  in  old  cases,  or  softer  and 
slightly  elastic  at  points  where  active  disease  is  still  going 
on.  Forcible  bending  of  the  pastern  causes  much  pain, 
as  also  pressure  on  the  swelling  and  especially  on  the 
softer  and  more  recent  deposits. 

Treatment.  Rest,  second  the  indications  of  nature  in 
order  to  secure  an  easy  position,  usmg  a  high-heeled  shoe 
when  the  animal  walks  on  the  toe  and  a  thin-heeled  one* 
when  he  walks  on  his  heel.  If  there  is  very  active  in- 
flammation adopt  soothing  measures  first  and  then  blister 
severely  or  even  fire.  Corrosive  sublimate  and  camphoi 
20  grains  of  each,  muriatic  acid  10  drops  and  oil  of  tur 
pentine  1  oz.  is  often  useful  in  such  cases,  but  should  be 
watched  and  washed  off  when  sufficient  exudation  has 
taken  place,  otherwise  it  may  blemish.     In  firing  it  is  usu- 


438  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ally  desirable  to  penetrate  the  skin  in  points,  but  nevei 
keep  the  hot  iron  long  in  contact  with  it  lest  the  radiated 
heat  destroy  the  integument.  It  is  often  needful  to  allow 
a  rest  of  several  months  for  consolidation  of  the  new  de- 
posit. When  the  joints  are  much  affected  the  only  cure 
is  by  the  growth  of  bone  over  them  and  the  abolition  of 
movement,  and  then  there  remains  some  stiffness  though 
there  may  be  abihty  for  slow  work.  Old  horses  recover 
less  satisfactorily  than  young  ones.  If  there  is  reason  to 
suspect  a  rheumatic  complication  or  any  general  fault  in 
nutrition  these  must  be  attended  to. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  FLEXOR  TENDONS  BEHIND  THE  PASTERN. 

This  is  of  two  kinds,  though  both  in  almost  the  same 
seat.  Opposite  the  first  pastern  joint  the  posterior  ten- 
don divides  into  two  branches  which  passing  over  the  in- 
ner and  outer  sides  of  the  other  tendon  are  inserted  on 
the  corresponding  aspects  of  the  head  of  the  smaU  pastern 
bone.  Between  these  branches  the  other  tendon  plays 
over  a  raised  fibro-cartilaginous  pulley,  its  gliding  being 
favored  by  a  synovial  sac.  This  last  tendon  may  be 
sprained  as  it  plays  over  this  pulley,  in  the  median  line 
of  the  back  of  the  limb,  and  either  of  the  branches  of  the 
other  tendon  may  be  sprained  close  to  its  attachment  on 
the  inner  or  outer  side  of  this  pulley. 

Symptoms.  Standing  quiet  the  animal  keeps  the  fet- 
lock and  pastern  joints  slightly  flexed,  the  foot  advanced 
six  or  eight  inches,  the  heel  slightly  raised  and  the  toe 
resting  on  the  ground.  In  action  he  steps  short  and  stubs 
llie  toe  into  the  ground  and  generally  improves  as  he 
warms  up  to  work.  The  toe  of  the  shoe  wears  faster  than 
the  heel,  and  the  heel  in  old  standing  cases  may  be  a  lit- 
tle contracted,  but  it  is  not  imnaturally  warm,  nor  is  there 
wincing  on  tapping  the  quarter  or  the  solo  to  either  side 
of  the  body  of  the  frog,  with  a  hammer.  This  serves  to 
distinguish  from  disease  of  the  small  pulley-shaped  bone 
of  the  foot — the  misnamed  cojfin-joint  dlsecwe.     Pj'cssiue 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joint's  and  Muscles.    439 

on  the  tendons  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel  causes  much  pain 
and  wincing,  and  the  precise  seat  of  injury  may  be  ascer- 
tained from  the  position  of  gi-eatest  suffering — in  the  me- 
dian line,  to  the  inner  side  or  to  the  outer. 

Treatment  Shorten  the  toe,  apply  a  high-heeled  nhoo 
and  surround  the  pastern  with  bandages  soaked  in  cold 
water  or  some  cooling  astringent  lotion.  A  purgative  will 
be  useful  if  inflammation  runs  high.  When  heat  and  ten- 
derness subside,  any  remaining  lameness  may  usually  be 
removed  by  a  blister  on  the  front  and  sides  of  the  pastern. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  HIP-BONES. 

Fracture  of  the  Outer  Angle.  In  young  animals  a 
little  nodule  from  the  extreme  angle  is  often  broken  off  by 
blows  before  it  has  acquired  a  firm  connection  with  the 
parent  bone.  In  the  old,  the  fracture  usually  extends 
deeper,  three,  four,  or  six  inches  in  breadth  being  often 
detached.  In  either  case  the  fragment  is  drawn  down- 
ward by  the  muscles  leading  to  a  greater  or  less  flattening 
of  the  quarter,  and  it  usually  becomes  attached  to  the 
parent  bone  by  fibrous  tissue  or  even  bony  union.  In 
some  instances,  the  fragment  acting  as  a  foreign  body  sets 
up  inflammation  with  suppuration  and  a  running  sore. 
The  slighter  cases  are  not  necessarily  attended  by  lame- 
ness but  if  much  bone  has  been  detached,  with  consider- 
able flattening,  there  is  more  or  less  halting  on  the  Hmb. 
Treatment  consists  in  keeping  the  animal  still  until  union 
has  been  effected,  or  in  case  of  a  running  sore  a  free  in- 
cision should  be  made  and  the  fragment  of  bone  extracted 

Fracture  of  the  Inner  Angle  near  its  Junction  with 
THE  Backbone.  This  is  less  frequent  than  the  last  but 
still  tolerably  common.  It  causes  considerable  lameness, 
and  grating  is  heard  when  the  Kmb  is  moved  backward 
and  forward.  The  oiled  hand  introduced  through  the 
rectum  may  feel  the  outHne  of  the  bones  on  the  two  sides, 
and  detect  the  change  from  the  natural  form  on  the  broken 
one.  If  it  has  been  done  for  some  time,  there  is  a  soft 
pasty  swelHng  on  the  inner  side  of  the  bone. 


440  Tie  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Fkactuke  of  the  Point  of  the  Hip.  As  in  the  case  oJ 
the  outer  angle,  the  posterior  one  is  very  liable  to  sustain 
fracture  of  a  small  portion  which  is  developed  apart  from 
the  rest  of  the  bone.  In  other  cases  several  inches  in 
breadth  of  the  bone  is  detached.  In  both  cases  alike  it  is 
drawn  downward  so  that  the  prominence  on  one  side  of 
the  tail  is  greater  than  on  the  other.  It  may  be  unat- 
tended by  lameness  and  tends  to  grow  on  below,  though 
it  wiU  sometimes  remain  detached  and  form  a  running 
sore  in  which  case  it  must  be  removed  by  the  knife. 

Fbactukes  through  the  Shaft  of  the  Hip-bone.  These 
may  be  in  front  of  the  hip-joint,  behind  it,  or  through  it. 
A^ain,  they  may  be  simple  or  comminuted.  If  the  fract- 
ure (ioes  not  impKcate  the  joint,  weight  may  stiU  be  rested 
on  the  limb,  but  if  through  the  joint  the  limb  is  held  use- 
less. The  dragging  lameness  of  hip  disease  is  always 
present  and  grating  may  be  felt  by  seizing  the  outer  and 
posterior  angles  of  the  hip  in  the  two  hands  while  the 
animal  walks.  Examination  with  the  oiled  hand  in  the 
rectum  will  enable  the  observer  to  ascertain  the  exact 
seat  and  nature  of  the  injury. 

Treatment  of  Fractures  of  the  Hip.  If  through  the  joint, 
or  much  shattered,  the  animal  should  be  at  once  de- 
stroyed. If  a  simple  fracture  the  patient  should  be  put 
in  slings  and  kept  still  for  a  month  or  six  weeks.  In  such 
cases  recovery  may  be  expected. 

sprain  of  the  hip. 

This  is  one  of  the  most  common  injuries  of  the  hip  and 
is  located  in  the  tendon  of  the  largest  muscle  of  the  but- 
tock as  it  plays  over  the  large  process  on  the  head  of  the 
thigh-bone.  Its  exact  site  is  easily  found  in  thin  horses 
by  the  prominence  over  the  joint  and  midway  between  the 
anterior  and  posterior  angles  of  the  hip-bone.  There  is 
the  usual  dragging  hip  lameness,  a  quick  short  step  with 
the  affected  limb,  the  hip  being  moved  as  little  as  possible, 
suffering  when  the  member  is  drawn  forward  and  tender- 


Special  Injuries  ofBones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  441 

ness  to  pressure  on  the  seat  of  the  sprain.  Swelling  and 
heat  are  rare  because  of  the  depth  of  the  lesion.  In  cases 
of  any  standing  the  muscles  of  the  quarter  waste. 

Treatment.  Long  continued  rest,  with  at  first  fomenta- 
tions, and  later,  active  and  repeated  blisters,  or  even  the 
hot  iron  applied  in  points.  Some  chronic  cases  do  well 
under  a  combination  of  exercise  and  counter-irritants  as 
follows :  rub  the  affected  quarter  with  oil  of  turpentine, 
then  take  out  and  exercise  in  a  circle  until  covered  with 
perspii-ation ;  then  return  to  the  stable,  rub  down  and 
clothe  with  a  double  wet  blanket  over  the  lame  quarter. 
Eepeat  daily  for  some  time. 

DISPLACEMENT  OF  THE  ABDUCTOR  FEMORIS. 

Lean  cattle  are  subject  to  a  peculiar  form  of  nip  lame- 
ness, from  displacement  backward  of  the  large  muscle 
which  plays  over  the  prominence  at  the  head  of  the  thigh 
bone.  The  high,  bony  process  presses  on  the  anterior 
border  of  the  muscle,  preventing  it  from  resuming  its 
natural  position.  The  anterior  border  of  the  muscle  forms 
a  prominent  painless  cord  extending  from  behind  the  hip- 
joint  to  below  the  stifle.  In  moving,  the  toe  is  dragged 
along  the  ground,  being  extended  backward,  and  the  limb 
is  flexed  with  effort  and  often  in  a  sudden  and  convulsive 
manner,  and  accompanied  by  a  dull  sound.  These  symp- 
toms are  most  marked  if  the  animal  is  made  to  step  over 
a  bar  of  six  or  eight  inches  high  as  he  leaves  the  stable. 

Treatment.  Some  recover  under  good  nourishment  with 
or  without  blisters,  but  usually  it  is  best  to  make  an  incis- 
ion over  the  front  of  the  cord  an  inch  or  two  below  the 
head  of  the  thigh-bone  and  cut  the  border  of  the  muscle 
across  with  a  narrow-bladed  knife.  The  animal  may  be 
kept  quiet  by  the  bull-dog  pincers  in  his  nose,  and  by 
drawing  the  opposite  limb  forward  with  a  line  passed 
through  a  collar. 


442  The  Fanner''s  Veterinary  Adviser, 

DISEASE  OF  THE  HIP- JOINT. 

This  may  be  connected  with  a  partial  fracture  of  the 
bones  of  the  quarter  extending  into  the  joint,  witli  hicera- 
tion  of  the  ligaments,  with  ulceration  of  the  bones,  or 
with  simple  synovitis,  from  over-work,  rheumatism,  or 
other  cause.  The  sympto)ns  strongly  resemble  those  of 
sprain  of  the  hip,  but  there  is  no  pain  on  pressure  upon 
the  prominence  on  the  head  of  the  thigh-bone,  but  often 
much  suffering  when  the  limb  is  drawn  outward  and 
backward,  so  as  to  place  the  Hgaments  on  the  stretch.  It 
is  attended  with  wasting  of  the  muscles  of  the  quarter. 

Treatment.  Rest,  sling  if  at  all  convenient,  foment  the 
quarter  with  a  thick  rug  repeatedly  folded,  and  finally 
bhster  actively  or,  still  better,  fire.  A  long  period  of  rest 
is  usually  necessary. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  HIP. 

This  is  almost  unknown  in  the  horse  excepting  in  con- 
nection with  fracture,  but  is  not  very  uncommon  in  lean 
cattle  and  small  animals  as  a  consequence  of  falls  and 
dragging  of  the  limb  to  excess  in  any  one  direction.  It 
will  e\en  happen  from  extreme  dragging  of  the  limb  out- 
ward when  caught  over  a  bar.  Displacement  is  usually 
forward  or  backtvard.  In  the  former  case  the  limb  is 
shortened,  the  prominence  of  the  head  of  the  thigh-bone 
carried  forward  and  the  toe  turned  out.  In  the  latter  the 
limb  is  elongated,  the  prominence  of  the  head  of  the 
thigh-bone  carried  backwards  and  the  toe  turned  inward. 
Dislocations  inward  and  outward  are  also  described  and 
would  be  marked  by  the  deviations  of  the  limb  from  its 
normal  position,  and  the  depression  or  increased  promi- 
nence of  the  head  of  the  thigh-bone. 

Beduction.  Lay  the  animal  on  the  opposite  side  of  the 
body ;  maintain  the  body  immovable  by  a  strong  sheet 
carried  between  the  thighs  and  held  by  several  men  or 
fixed  to  a  firm  object ;  attach  a  band  round  tlie  limb  above 
the  hock  and  let  two  men  drag  upon  this,  or  one  man 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.  443 

carefully  with  tlie  aid  of  a  block  and  tackle ;  meanwhile 
the  operator,  seizing  hock  and  stifle,  must  turn  the  upper 
part  of  the  limb  in  a  direction  opposite  to  the  disphxce- 
ment.  11  forivard  the  hock  is  raised  and  the  stifle  de- 
pressed; if  backivard  the  stifle  is  raised  and  the  hock 
depressed;  if  inward  a  smooth  round  billet  of  wood  is  to 
be  placed  between  the  thighs  to  act  as  a  fulcrum  upon 
which  the  limb  is  depressed  when  sufficiently  stretched; 
if  outward  the  lower  part  of  the  limb  must  be  drawn  out- 
ward and  upward,  while  weight  is  thrown  on  the  thigh- 
bone ;  or  by  movements  of  the  hmb  it  may  be  changed  to 
a  dislocation  forward  and  reduced  from  that  position.  It 
may  be  necessary  to  relax  the  muscles  by  a  full  dose  of 
chloral -hydrate  before  attempting  to  reduce.  When  re- 
duced, the  head  of  the  bone  slips  in  with  a  jerk  and  an 
audible  sound,  and  the  limb  assumes  its  natural  position. 
The  animal  may  then  be  let  up,  and  should  be  kept  quiet 
and  alone  for  several  days.  These  cases  do  far  better 
than  could  be  expected  from  the  anatomical  arrangements 
of  the  part. 

FRA.CTURE  OF  THE  NECK  OF  THE  THIGH-BONE. 

This  is  not  uncommon  in  small  animals,  especially  dogs, 
but  very  rare  indeed  in  the  large  quadrupeds.  It  is  marked 
by  shortening  of  the  hmb,  inability  to  use  it,  and  grating 
when  it  is  moved.  If  the  finger  or  hand  is  passed  into  the 
rectum  and  pressed  against  the  crest  above  the  hip- 
joint,  while  an  assistant  draws  the  Hmb  outward,  the 
prominence  of  the  head  of  the  thigh-bone  may  be  felt 
above  the  crest.  This  can  only  occur  in  two  other 
conditions; — fracture  of  the  outer  lim  of  the  cup  receiv- 
ing the  head  of  the  thigh-bone,  and  outward  dislocation 
of  the  hip-joint  without  fracture.  The  latter  may  be  dis 
tinguished  by  the  absence  of  gi-ating,  while  the  first  is  as 
serious  as  the  fracture  of  the  neck  of  the  bone. 

Treatment  is  useless  in  the  large  quadrupeds,  but  in  the 
small,  a  firm  retentive  starch  bandage  for  the  whole  hmb 
will  often  secure  recovery. 


444  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 


FRACTURE  OF  THE  SHAFT  OF  THE  THIGH-BONE. 

Tliis  is  marked  by  inability  to  use  the  limb,  muscular 
trembling,  swelling  on  the  inner  side  of  the  thigh,  and 
grating,  felt  or  heard,  when  the  limb  is  moved  in  various 
directions.  In  the  larger  quadrupeds  nothing  can  be  done 
beyond  slinging  and  quiet,  which  may  prove  successful  in 
exceptional  cases,  but  in  small  animals,  dogs  and  cats 
especially,  a  well  applied  starch  bandage  will  usually  be  a 
success. 

FRACTURES  OF  THE  LOWER  ENDS  OF  THE  THIGH-BONE. 

These  are  recognized  by  great  pain  and  swelling  in  the 
stifle,  with  grating  when  the  joint  is  seized  between  the 
hands  and  the  limb  moved.  It  may  be  considered  ir- 
remediable in  the  large  animals,  and  recoveries  are  imper- 
fect in  the  small. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  KNEE-CAP. 

The  small  bone  in  front  of  the  stifle  is  sometimes  fract- 
ured either  across  or  vertically,  causing  local  swelHng  and 
tenderness  with  inability  to  use  the  limb,  which  is  drawn 
backward  and  outward.     It  is  irremediable. 

DISLOCATION  OF  THE  KNEE-CAP. 

Not  uncommon  in  certain  breeds  of  horses,  this  usually 
occurs  when  standing  at  rest  in  the  stable  or  rather  after 
rising.  The  limb  is  drawn  forcibly  outward  and  backwai  d, 
the  foot  resting  on  the  toe,  and  the  animal  is  helpless  to 
move  it.  The  bone  may  be  felt  displaced  at  the  outer  side, 
at  what  fchould  be  the  most  prominent  anterior  point  of 
the  stifle.  In  young  horses  it  may  be  attended  with  ulcer- 
ation of  the  pulley  over  which  it  plays,  but,  in  the  adult, 
this  is  very  exceptional. 

Bedudion  may  sometimes  be  effected  by  starting  the 
animal  with  a  whip,  the  limb  being  brought  forward  under 
the  violent  effort  and  the  bone  meanwhile  slipping  into 
place.     More  commonly  it  is  requisite  to  draw  the  foot 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.   445 

forward,  either  by  simply  lifting  it,  or  by  the  aid  of  a  rope 
having  a  noose  round  the  fetlock,  and  passing  through  a 
collar  on  the  neck.  While  the  limb  is  being  advanced,  a 
hand  should  be  placed  on  the  bone  outside  the  stifle  tc 
press  it  into  position.  When  reduced  keep  on  a  level  (not 
sUppery)  floor ;  apply  a  shoe  with  a  toe  piece  projecting 
an  inch  in  front  of  the  hoof,  and  curved  up ;  and  finally 
put  a  smart  bHster  on  the  joint. 

Second  Form.  A  modification  of  the  above  is  seen  in 
horses  and  cattle,  in  which  the  knee-cap  is  drawn  too  high 
during  extreme  extension  of  the  stifle,  and  then  pulled 
outward  by  the  abductor  muscles ;  its  inner  lateral  liga- 
ment shps  into  the  notch  above  the  pulley,  over  which  the 
bone  should  play,  and  the  animal  remains  helpless  with 
the  hmb  drawn  back  as  in  ordinary  dislocation.  There  is 
a  depression  in  front  of  the  upper  part  of  the  stifle,  sur- 
mounted by  a  swelhng  which  is  soft,  not  hard,  as  it  would 
be  were  the  current  explanation  of  cramp  of  tJie  muscles 
correct.  The  reduction  is  by  the  same  method  advised  for 
ordinary  dislocation,  and  the  after  treatment  identical. 

DISEASE  IN  THE  STIFLE  JOINT. 

If  between  the  knee-cap  and  its  pulley  the  patient  usually 
drags  the  toe  on  the  ground,  steps  short  and  brings  the 
foot  forward  with  a  swinging  outward  motion.  The  leg  is 
kept  half  bent  when  standing,  the  knee-cap  is  felt  to  move 
loosely  on  the  pulley,  causing  pain,  and  an  elastic  fluctu- 
ating swelUng  is  felt  beneath  it  in  the  intervals  between 
the  three  descending  ligaments.  In  disease  of  the  inner  or 
outer  division  of  the  true  joint  the  animal  stands  with  it  in 
the  same  position,  but  in  walking  it  may  either  be  jerked 
up  suddenly,  or  in  the  worst  cases,  this  joint  and  the  hock 
are  carried  in  a  stiff  extended  position  and  the  principal 
movement  is  in  the  hip.  An  elastic  swelling  may  usually 
be  felt  beneath  the  knee-cap  but  it  is  less  prominent  than 
in  disease  of  the  pulley,  and  the  bone  is  less  mobile  anc| 
does  not  cause  pain  when  moved. 


440         The  Farmer''s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Treatment.  All  cases  require  a  high-heeled  shoe  ex- 
cepting such  as  are  attended  with  dislocation  of  the  knee- 
cap, in  which  case  a  thin-heeled  shoe  with  a  projection 
forward  at  the  toe  is  indicated.  Best  is  essential,  and  in 
case  of  very  acute  inflammation,  fomentations  should  pre- 
cede repeated  blistering  or  firing.  A  long  rest  is  impera- 
tive. In  ulceration  of  the  bones  and  dislocation  of  the 
knee-cap  in  young  animals,  the  fault  is  mainly  in  nutrition, 
and  a  rich  diet,  tonics,  pure  air  and  sunshine  are  demanded. 

FRAOTUEE  OF  THE  LEG  BETWEEN  THE  THIGH  AND  HOCK. 

The  principal  hone  of  this  region  (tibia)  lying  superficially 
on  the  inner  side  of  the  leg  is  very  liable  to  fracture  from 
kicks.  The  symptoms  are  patent  enough  when  the  fract- 
ure is  complete,  the  bone  hanging  useless,  and  the  broken 
ends  being  easily  felt  beneath  the  skin.  But  in  very 
many  cases  the  bone  is  only  split  part  of  the  way  through 
and  the  patient  may  show  little  lameness,  may  even  do  a 
fair  day's  work  or  perform  a  long  journey  with  his  broken 
bone.  But  with  the  occurrence  of  the  exudation  and  soft- 
ening around  the  seat  of  injury,  the  bone  gives  wa^>  under 
a  slight  strain,  and  thus  the  fracture  appears  to  have  oc- 
curred from  getting  up  in  the  stall,  though  several  hard 
days'  work  may  have  been  done  since  the  injury  was  re- 
ceived. 

Treatment.  In  all  cases  of  blows  on  the  inner  side  of 
the  leg  in  which  a  line  of  tenderness  extends  from  the 
point  of  the  bone  which  has  been  struck,  place  the  animal 
in  slings  and  wait  for  repair.  A  compound  or  commi- 
nuted fracture  of  this  bone  need  hardly  be  treated  in  large 
C[uadrupeds.  A  simple  transverse  fracture  may  recover 
in  slings,  with  a  firm  bandage  and  sphnts  from  the  foot 
up  to  above  the  stifle.  I  have  had  a  fair  recovery  even 
with  a  very  oblique  fracture,  but  this  should  only  be  at- 
tempted in  valuable  breeding  animals. 

The  smaller  hone  of  the  leg  (fihula)  may  be  fractured  by 
falling  in  shafts  or  across  a  pole  or  beam.     The  resulting 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones j  Joints  and  Muscles.   447 

lameness  is  most  puzzling  as  tlie  broken  ends  of  the  bone 
are  held  together  by  fibrous  tissue,  and  though  they  move 
hinge-like  no  grating  is  produced.  Then  the  bone  is  so 
deeply  covered  by  muscle  that  it  cannot  be  felt.  A  blow 
on  the  outer  side  of  the  hind  leg,  just  below  the  stifle,  in- 
ducing persistent  lameness,  with  tenderness  on  pressure 
along  the  line  of  the  bone  on  the  outer  side  of  the  limb, 
and  without  any  other  apparent  injury,  implies  fracture  of 
this  bone. 

Treatment.  A  month's  absolute  rest  and  one  or  more 
blisters  over  the  seat  of  injury. 

SPRAIN  OR  LACERATION  OF  THE  MUSCLE  WHICH  BENDS 
THE  HOCK. 

This  is  often  sprained  at  its  lower  part,  and  especially 
in  its  inner  branch  which  passes  over  the  front  and  inner 
side  of  the  lower  part  of  the  hock  joint,  giving  rise  to  a 
swelling  exactly  in  the  seat  of  bone  spavin.  It  is  dis- 
tinguished by  its  tense,  elastic  nature  and  by  its  position 
on  this  tendon  rather  than  above  or  below  it. 

Treatment.  A  smart  blister,  or  this  failing,  evacuate 
with  a  fine  nozzle  of  a  hiy^^odermic  syringe  and  then  apply 
a  wet  bandage  or  blister.     This  form  is  rarely  hurtful. 

When  more  severely  sprained  the  swelHng,  heat  and 
tenderness  may  be  felt  in  fi'ont  of  the  hock  or  on  the 
anterior  and  outer  side  of  the  stifle  according  to  the  seat 
of  injury.  The  limb  is  usually  carried  very  straight,  there 
being  little  or  no  bending  of  either  hock  or  stifle.  It  is 
to  be  treated  in  the  ordinary  way  by  soothing  measures 
followed  by  blisters  or  tiring. 

Lacerations  of  the  muscle^  or  more  frequently  rupture  of 
the  tendon  occurs,  causing  the  hock  to  be  carried  straight 
and  the  shank  dangling  nearly  in  a  line  with  the  leg.  In 
some  instances  from  violent  contraction  of  the  extensor 
muscles,  the  foot  may  be  jerked  out  backward  when  the 
patient  is  started.  In  injury  to  the  muscle  there  is  at 
first  a  depression  at  the  part  with  swelling  above  and 


448  Tlie  Farmer^s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

below,  but  soon  the  hollow  fills  up  and  may  become  prom- 
inent, soft  and  doughy.  In  rupture  of  the  tendon  the 
depressed  interval,  or  later,  a  soft  doughy  swelling  on  the 
line  of  the  cord  in  front  of  the  hock,  is  sufficiently  char- 
acteristic. 

Treatment.  Best,  and  astringent  lotions  to  the  part 
(acetate  of  lead  3  drs.,  water  1  qt.)  These  cases  almost 
always  do  well. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  HAMSTRING. 

This  is  productive  of  lameness  with  manifest  pain  in 
extending  the  hock  and  a  jerk  in  lifting  the  limb  and  is 
easily  recognized  by  the  firm  swelling  of  the  cord  above 
the  point  of  the  hock.  It  is  to  be  treated  by  a  high- 
heeled  shoe,  with  fomentations  and  subsequently  blisters 
to  the  part. 

RUPTURE  OF  THE  HAMSTRING. 

This  is  much  more  serious,  the  hock  and  fetlock  bend- 
ing so  as  to  render  the  limb  useless  whenever  weight  is 
placed  upon  it.  The  separation  of  the  divided  ends  can 
easUy  be  felt  through  the  skin. 

Treatment.  If  in  large  quadrupeds  place  in  slings.  In 
aU  apply  an  immovable  bandage,  and  splints  extending 
from  the  foot  to  some  way  above  the  hock,  so  as  to  keep 
that  joiut  fully  extended. 

CAPPED  HOCK. 

This  is  of  two  kinds :  1st,  a  serous  distension  of  a  bursa 
which  exists  between  the  skin  and  the  point  of  the  hock ; 
and  2d,  sprain  of  the  tendon  inserted  on  the  point  of  the 
hock  (gastrocnemius)  or  of  the  one  which  plays  over  it 
(perforatus). 

1.  The  distension  of  the  subcutaneous  bursa  usually 
results  from  kicks  or  blows  and  is  to  be  feared  as  in- 
dicatuig  vice,  but  rarely  causes  lameness.  The  soft  fluctu- 
ating swelling  is  directly  backward  from  the  point  of  the 


Special  Injuries  ofBoneSj  Joints  and  Muscles.   449 

hock,  and  may  be  of  almost  any  size.  Slight  and  recent 
cases  may  be  treated  by  a  purge  and  soothing  lotions  to  be 
followed  as  soon  as  heat  and  tenderness  subside  by  a 
smart  bUster  (iodide  of  mercury  2  drs.,  lard  1  oz.)  Should 
the  sac  remain,  evacuate  with  the  nozzle  of  a  hypodermic 
spinge  and  apply  a  wet  elastic  bandage ;  or  open  by  a 
small  orifice  below  and  heal  hke  an  ordinary  wound.  To 
prevent  its  repetition  is  a  much  more  difficult  matter  as  it 
usually  implies  the  cure  of  a  vice.  Stretching  prickly 
bushes  or  chains  behind  him,  tying  chains  or  logs  to  the 
limb  above  the  hock,  or  applying  hobbles  are  all  more 
likely  to  ensure  permanent  injury  to  a  nervous  animal 
than  to  cure  him  of  his  vice.  A  kicking  strap  will  often 
succeed  in  harness. 

2.  In  case  of  sprain  of  the  tendons,  the  swelling  takes 
place  at  the  two  sides  and  above  rather  than  at  the  point 
of  the  hock.  It  is  more  or  less  tense  but  elastic  and  even 
fluctuates  on  pressure.  It  is  often  attended  with  severe 
lameness  which  may  become  permanent  in  connection  with 
ulceration  of  the  bone.  It  is  to  be  treated  like  an  ordinary 
sprain  by  high-heeled  shoe,  and  fomentations  or  cold 
astringent  lotions,  followed  by  blister.  If  swelhng  remains 
it  may  be  punctured  and  compressed  as  in  the  first  form 
of  capped  hock,  but  a  seton  should  not  be  used. 

DISPLACEMENT  OUTWARD  OF  THE  TENDON  PLAYING  OVER 
THE  POINT  OF  THE  HOCK. 

This  is  a  rare  occun-ence,  the  tendon  being  traceable  as 
a  fii'm  cord  across  the  outer  side  of  the  bone  in  place  of 
over  its  summit.  It  seems  impossible  to  restore  it  to  its 
place,  as  the  band  which  fixed  the  tendon  to  the  inner  part 
of  the  bony  process  has  given  way.  Fortunately  the 
animal  is  often  little  incommoded  after  the  subsidence  of 
the  preliminary  inflammation,  and  I  have  kno^vn  one  do 
excellent  carriage  work,  the  only  objection  being  the  un- 
sightliness  of  the  hock. 
29 


450  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

SPBAIN  OF  THE  FLEXOR  TENDON  (PERFORANS)  BEHIND  THE 
HOCK.      THOROUGH-PIN. 

This  tendon  plays  over  the  back  of  the  hock,  to  the 
inner  side  of  the  bony  process  which  forms  its  point,  and 
has  a  large  synovial  sheath  extending  above  and  below  the 
joint.  When  sprained  at  this  point  there  is  lameness,  a 
tendency  to  knuckle  over  at  the  fetlock,  and  a  round,  tense, 
elastic,  fluctuating  swelling  on  each  side  in  front  of  the  point 
of  the  hock  and  in  the  hollow  between  the  hamstring  and 
the  bone.  Pressure  on  the  one  side  causes  bulging  on  the 
other,  and  pressure  on  both  causes  fluctuation  on  the  line 
of  the  tendon  below  and  behind  the  hock. 

Treatment.  A  high-heeled  shoe,  rest,  fomentations,  or 
cooling  lotions  and  a  purgative.  When  heat  and  tender- 
ness subside,  blister,  repeatedly,  or  even  fire  when  there 
is  reason  to  suspect  disease  of  the  bone.  When  all  lame- 
ness has  passed  off  leaving  only  a  puffy  swelling,  or  when 
that  has  appeared  without  lameness  as  the  result  of  ivorJc 

Fig.  69. 


Fig.  69 — Spring  bandage  for  thorough-pin. 

or  as  a  dropsical  effusion,  apply  a  spring  bandage  \^dth  two 
smooth  round  pads  pressing  on  the  inner  and  outer  swell- 
ings. The  accompanying  cut  may  enable  any  saddler  to 
construct  such  an  instrument,  the  spring  being  made  of 
good  spring  steel  and  covered  with  leather. 

DISTENSION  OF  THE  SHEATH  OF  THE  EXTENSOR  TENDON  IN 
FRONT  OF  THE  HOCK. 

This  causes  a  tense  fluctuating  swelling  at  the  front  and 
outer  side  of  the  hock.     It  is  rare  and  not  usually  injuri- 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles,   45 1 


ous,  but  may  be  treated  like  similar  synovial  swellings 
elsewhere. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  INNER  MALLEOLUS. 

This  consists  in  fracture  of  the  bony  prominence  on  the 
inner  side  of  the  hock  at  its  highest  point.  It  usually  re- 
sults from  a  blow  with  the  opposite  foot  in  fighting  flies. 
There  is  more  or  less  swelhng  of  the  part,  with  an  un- 
natural mobility  of  the  process  and  in  some  cases  dis- 
tinct grating.  It  is  not  unfrequent  to  have  a  wound  in  the 
skin  and  a  flow  of  glairy  S3^novia  from  the  opened  joint. 
In  other  cases,  independently  of  fracture,  there  is  inflam- 
mation and  enlargment  of  the  bony  eminence. 

Treatment.  Eest  is  imperative,  as  the  fracture  often 
implicates  the  joint.  If  synovia  escapes  use  a  sugar  of 
lead  lotion  (1  oz.  to  1  pt.  water  and  60  drops  carbohc 
acid),  or  even  apply  a  bhster  around  the  joint,  leaving  the 
space  of  an  inch  around  the  wound  untouched.  In  other 
cases  rely  on  soothing  appHcations,  followed  by  bhstera 
when  heat  is  diminished.  Such  cases  usually  do  well,  even 
an  open  joint  being  harmless  from  the  wound  being  at  its 
upper  part.  Even  pieces  of  bone  may  be  taken  out  with 
portions  of  the  joint  surface  and  yet  a  satisfactory  recovery 
ensue. 

FRACTURE  OF  THE  POINT  OF  THE  HOCK. 

This  may  merely  implicate  the  extreme  summit  of  the 
bone  in  young  horses  or  it  may  occur  lower  down  in  the 
middle  of  the  bony  process.  There  is  much  lameness  and 
difficulty  in  bringing  the  foot  to  the  ground,  the  hmb  being 
often  kept  raised  and  semi-flexed,  and  the  detached  por- 
tion may  be  felt  in  front  of  the  point  of  the  hock,  or  a  line 
of  tenderness  may  be  detected  across  the  middle  of  that 
bone,  detachment  and  grating  being  obviated  by  the  strong 
fibrous  investment. 

Treatment.  If  a  portion  has  been  detached  from  the 
gummit,  place  in  slings,  extend  the  joint  and  replace  it, 


452  The  Fanner'' s  Veterinary  AdvLter, 

retaining  it  in  position  by  firm  pads  of  tow  placed  in  the 
hollow  in  front  of  the  bone  and  a  strong  starch  or  plast^er 
bandage  extending  from  the  hoof  to  beyond  the  hock. 
When  there  is  no  detachment,  soothe  the  parts  till  heat 
and  tenderness  subside  and  then  blister,  allowing  a  long 
period  of  rest. 

FRACTUKES  OF  THE  OTHER  HOCK  BONES. 

If  these  implicate  the  upper  or  true  hock  joint,  they  are 
usually  beyond  remedy,  but  if  the  lower  flat  bones  only, 
they  present  symptoms  Hke  those  of  bone  spavin,  and  may 
recover  by  union  of  the  small  bones. 

BONE  SPAVIN. 

This  consists  in  disease  (inflammation,  ulceration,  bony 
deposit,)  of  the  small  flat  bones  in  the  lower  and  inner 

Fig.  70. 


^Mh- 


Fig.  70 — Bone  Spavin  affecting  both  inner  and  outer  sides  of  the  joint. 

part  of  the  hock  joint,  often  implicating  those  of  the  outer 
side  as  well.  It  may  be  manifested  by  local  swelling, 
heat  and  tenderness,  or  these  may  be  altogether  absent 
as  in  cases  of  ulceration  in  the  centre  of  the  joint  between 
the  flat  bones — ( Occult  Spavin).  The  swelling,  when  it  does 
exist,  is  on  the  antero-internal  aspect  of  the  lower  part  of 
the  articulation,  to  be  seen  by  standing  about  two  feet  from 
the  fore  limb  and  looking  across  the  front  of  the  joint. 
It  is  hard  and  to  be  distinguished  from  the  tense,  elastic 
swelling  caused  by  sprain  of  the  inner  branch  of  the 
flexor   tendon,   and  from   the   soft  distended  vein   (so- 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones  ^  Joints  and  Muscles.    453 

called  blood  spavin)  which  passes  across  this  part  of  the 
joint.  The  bony  swelling  may  be  more  to  the  front,  or 
more  backward  on  the  inner  side  of  the  hock,  or  it  may 
even  show  mainly  on  the  outer  side.  It  frequently  im- 
plicates the  head  of  the  shank-bone,  and  in  bad  cases  may 
extend  up  to  the  true  hock-joint  and  even  abolish  its 
movement.  Lameness,  which  is  usually  present  in  re- 
cent cases  and  is  the  only  symptom  in  occult  spavin,  is 
shown  by  moving  stiffly  on  the  toe,  when  the  horse  is 
turned  from  side  to  side  of  the  staU.  The  same  stiff  walk- 
ing on  the  toe  is  seen  for  the  first  few  steps  in  starting, 
after  which  it  disappears,  but  there  remains  a  stiffness 
and  lack  of  bending  in  the  hock  and  stifle  joints  which  a 
little  practice  will  enable  one  to  recognize.  There  is 
sometimes,  however,  a  jerking  up  of  the  hmb  as  in  string^ 
halt  If  turned  quickly  in  a  narrow  circle  the  animal  drops 
on  the  limb,  carries  it  stiffly  or  even  rests  on  the  toe  only. 
If  the  lameness  is  only  moderate  it  will  usually  disappear 
when  the  patient  becomes  warmed  up  at  work,  hence  the 
propriety  of  placing  him  in  a  quiet  stable  for  twenty 
minutes  before  examination. 

Treatment.  Kest ;  a  high-heeled  shoe ;  fomentations 
and  laxatives  are  appropriate  to  the  early  inflammatory 
stages.  Later,  coimter-irritants  are  demanded.  Blisters 
of  any  kind  will  usually  succeed.  The  hot  iron  is  perhaps 
even  more  efficient.  Deep  firing  in  points  is  especially 
beneficial.  Some  cases  will  resist  all  these  modes  of  treat- 
ment, but  recover  after  section  of  the  flexor  tendon  which 
passes  over  the  swelling.  Other  methods  are  pursued 
with  variable  success.  All  may  do  well  in  yoimg  horses  with 
no  constitutional  infirmity,  and  all  will  fail  in  some  old 
subjects. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  TRUE  HOCK  JOINT.      BOG  SPAVIN. 

Inflammation  of  the  upper  or  principal  joint  of  the  hock, 
where  nearly  all  the  movement  takes  place,  occurs  from 
overwork,  sprains,  rheumatism,  punctures,  wounds,  fract- 


454        The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ures,  etc.  There  is  a  puffy  fluctuating  swelling  witli  heat 
and  tenderness  on  the  antero-internal  side  of  the  uppei 
part  of  the  joint,  where  in  the  natural  state  there  is  a  hol- 
low or  depression.  There  is  also  a  similar  swelling  behind 
in  the  seat  of  thoroiigh-pin  but  distinguishable  in  that  it 
can  be  pressed  forward  by  compression,  the  anterior 
swelling  meanwhile  filling  up,  but  there  results  no  swell- 
ing below  and  behind  the  hock  as  in  thorough-pin.  The 
lameness  resembles  that  of  hone  spavin,  but  there  is  per- 
haps more  tendency  to  a  jerking  up  of  the  limb.  The 
disease  may  go  on  to  ulceration  of  the  joint,  to  bony  de- 
posit, and  even  to  anchylosis  with  abolition  of  all  move- 
ment. 

Treatment  Eest,  and  use  a  high-heeled  shoe.  In  case 
of  very  violent  inflammation  use  soothing  measures  (fo- 
mentation), and  when  extreme  heat  and  tenderness  have 
subsided  use  blisters  as  for  bone  spavin,  or  still  better,  the 
hot  iron  applied  lightly  at  nearly  a  white  heat. 

Open  joint  is  to  be  treated  here  as  elsewhere,  an  active 
blister  being  often  of  great  advantage  in  arresting  move- 
ment, closing  the  wound  and  abating  inflammation. 

Bog  spavin  is  most  obstinate  in  old  animals  and  in 
rheumatic  constitutions  with  cracking  of  the  joints  in 
starting  a  walk. 

DROPSY  OF  THE  HOCK  JOINT.       BOG  SPAVIN. 

An  excessive  secretion  of  joint-oil,  from  over-exertion, 
or  a  dropsical  effusion  into  the  cavity  of  the  joint  pro- 
duces a  swelling  having  all  the  characters  described  above, 
but  without  heat,  tenderness  or  lameness.  It  may  some- 
times be  benefited  by  a  blister  or  even  by  a  bandage  wet 
wdth  some  strong  astringent  lotion,  but  as  it  is  only  a 
blemish  and  does  not  interfere  with  the  animal's  useful- 
ness it  is  best,  as  a  rule,  to  let  it  alone. 

BLOOD  SPAVIN. 

This  is  a  dilatation  of  the  vein  which  runs  over  the 


Special  Injuries  of  Bones,  Joints  and  Muscles.   455 

seats  of  hog  and  hone  spavins  and  being  harmless  should 
not  be  interfered  with. 


CUlUi. 

This  is  a  swelling,  at  first  soft  and  doughy,  but  later 
hard  and  resistant,  in  the  median  line  of  the  limb  and 
just  behind  the  lowest  part  of  the  hock  joint.  It  is  best 
seen  by  standing  to  one  side  of  the  limb  and  looking  di- 
rectly across  it.  The  injury  is  usually  a  sprain  of  the 
tendon  (perforatus)  which  plays  over  the  front  of  the  hock, 
though  in  some  bad  cases  the  ligament  of  the  hock  be- 
neath tliis  is  injured  as  well.  There  is  heat  and  tender- 
ness with  more  or  less  lameness  and  a  tendency  to  Imuckle 
forward  at  the  fetlock.  Gurhy  hocks  are  congenital  in 
some  horses  and  cannot  be  looked  on  as  disease,  but 
rather  distortion. 

Treatment.  Keep  quiet,  put  on  a  high-heeled  shoe,  and 
apply  hot  fomentations  or  cooling  lotions  until  inflamma  • 
tion  moderates,  when  an  active  bhster  may  be  applied. 
In  some  severe  cases  this  may  require  to  be  repeated  or 
resort  must  be  had  to  the  hot  iron,  but  this  is  altogether 
exceptional. 

STRING-HALT. 

This  is  the  name  given  to  a  habit  of  suddenly  jerking 
up  the  hind  limb  when  raised  from  the  ground.  It  may 
be  shown  only  in  turning  from  side  to  side  in  the  stall 
and  in  starting,  or  it  may  appear  in  Walking  and  trotting 
as  well.  Again,  the  jerk  may  be  comparatively  slight,  or 
60  extreme  that  the  fetlock  may  even  strike  the  belly. 
Its  cause  is  often  contraction  of  the  tibial  fascia,  though  it 
is  a  reflex  nervous  act  and  may  perhaps  be  determined  by 
a  variety  of  local  injuries.  If  any  such  can  be  found  they 
should  be  corrected.  Section  of  the  tibial  fascia  often 
succeeds.  The  affection  is  usually  aggravated  with  time 
and  the  animal  is  sooner  fatigued  and  worn  out  than  other 
horses. 


456  The  Farmer''s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

OTHER  CAUSES  OF  LAMENESS. 

See  LympLiangitis,  Embolism,  Farcy,  Dropsy,  Grease, 
Horse-pox,  Mammitis,  Rheumatism,  Cramps,  Palsy,  Livoi 
Dise^^e,  etc. 


CHAPTER  XX. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  FOOT. 

General  causes.  Maxims  for  shoeing.  Disease  of  the  bony  pulley  and 
flexor  tendon  of  the  foot.  Pedal  Sesamoiditis.  Podotrochilitis.  Navicular 
disease.  Coffin-joint  lameness.  Side-bones.  Fractures  of  the  bones  of  the 
foot.  Inflammation  of  the  foot.  Laminitis.  Founder.  Chronic  Laminitis. 
Convex  soles.  Pumice  foot.  Cracks  in  the  hoof-wall.  Sand-crack.  Quar- 
ter-crack.  False  quarter.  Horny  tumor  of  the  Laminae.  Corns.  Bruises 
of  the  sole.  Pricks  and  binding  vv^ith  nails.  Incised  wound  of  the  sole 
Distortions  of  the  coffin-bone.  Contraction.  Treads  on  the  coronet.  Fist- 
ula of  the  coronet.  Quittor.  Powdery  degeneration  of  the  deep  parts  of  the 
wall.  Seedy  toe.  Inflammation  of  the  secreting  membrane  of  the  frog  with 
discharge.  Thrush.  Canker.  Simple  foot-rot  in  cattle  and  sheep.  Con- 
tagious foot-rot.     Foot-rot  from  Tuberculosis. 

Nearly  all  of  these  pedal  diseases  are  directly  or  in- 
directly the  result  of  faults  in  shoeing,  and  the  absence  of 
care  for  the  feet.  Here,  accordingly,  it  would  be  appro- 
priate to  describe  the  structure  and  functions  of  the  foot, 
and  to  lay  do^vn  the  rational  principles  of  shoeing.  But 
our  space  forbids  more  than  the  merest  mention  of  points 
which  are  absolutely  indispensable  to  the  understanding 
of  what  is  to  follow. 

The  internal  frame-work,  or  skeleton  of  the  horse's  foot, 
consists  of  three  bones: — the  lower  end  of  the  coronet 
(small  pastern)  bone,  which  corresponds  to  the  upper 
margin  of  the  hoof;  the  coffin  (pedal)  bone,  which  is  im- 
bedded inside  the  hoof  and  has  a  similar  imperfectly  con- 
ical outline;  and  a  long  narrow  pulley-like  bone  (small 
sesamoid,  or  navicular)  extended  across  the  back  part  of 
the  coffin-bone,  its  upper  aspect  forming  a  prolongation 
backward  of  the  joint  surface,  while  its  lower  face  is  cov- 


458  The  Farmer'' s  Veterinary  Adviser. 

ered  by  fibro- cartilage,  and  constitutes  a  pulley,  over  which 
plays  the  flexor  tendon  of  the  foot.  These  are  subject 
to  like  injuries  with  similar  parts  elsewhere.  Thus  the 
bones  are  liable  to  fracture,  to  absorption  fi'om  pressure, 
to  ulceration,  to  bony  outgrowths,  to  induration,  to  soften- 
ing, to  death  and  exfoliation,  in  connection  with  pricks 
with  nails  or  other  sharp  bodies.  The  joint  is  subject  to 
inflammation,  in  connection  with  wounds,  rheumatism, 
overwork,  etc.  The  flexor  tendon  is  exposed  to  sprains, 
and,  together  ^^dth  its  synovial  sheath  and  the  sesamoid 
bone,  to  inflammation,  ulceration,  and  the  formation  of 
new  structures,  which  impair  or  destroy  the  fimctions  of 
the  part. 

The  posterior  third  of  the  hoof  has  for  its  frame-work 
an  elastic  cushion,  which  makes  continuation  of  the  bones 
backward,  without  maintaining  theu'  rigidity.  This  cush- 
ion comprises  two  lateral  fibro-cartilages  that  extend 
backward  from  the  heels  of  the  coffin-bone,  and  the  upper 
elastic  borders  of  which  may  be  felt  under  the  skin,  just 
above  the  hoof,  in  the  region  of  the  quarter ;  also  in  the 
median  line  and  continuous  laterally  with  the  cartihiges, 
a  thick  pad  of  white  and  elastic  fibres,  corresponding  in 
position  to  the  homy  frog,  and  known  as  the  elastic  frog. 
These  are  subject  to  inflammation,  suppuration,  ulcera- 
tion, ossiflcation,  fractures,  necrosis,  etc.  In  its  healthy 
condition  this  cushion  obviates  the  shocks,  jars,  concus- 
sions, bruises  (corns),  fractures  and  lameness  which 
would  necessarily  result  were  this  region  occupied  by 
unyielding  bone.  It  further  allows  of  expansion  of  the 
heel  under  continuous  use  and  application  of  moisture, 
and  its  contraction  under  prolonged  disuse  and  drying. 

Covering  this  bony  and  elastic  fi-ame-work  is  a  dense 
fibrous  net-work,  with  interspaces  and  canals  for  the  pas- 
sage of  blood-vessels  and  nerves,  firmly  bound  to  the  bony 
and  elastic  structures  by  its  deeper  surface  and  to  the  hoof 
by  its  superficial.  On  the  outer  surface  of  this  fibrous 
net-work  is  the  membrane  secreting  the  horn.     The  part 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  459 

which  forms  the  hoof-wall  is  prolonged  as  a  band  around 
tlie  upper  margin  of  the  wall,  and  from  the  heels  forward 
above  the  cleft  at  each  side  of  the  frog.  It  is  shaggy 
throughout  with  soft  conical  processes  (villi),  from  ^-  to  2 
lines  in  length,  which  extend  into  the  homy  tubes  and 
secrete  them.  The  membrane  forming  the  sole  is  covered 
by  similar  villi  which  pass  into  the  horny  tubes  of  the  sole, 
and  that  covering  the  elastic  frog  has  corresponding  but 
smaller  villi.  Between  the  fibrous  net-work  and  the  inner 
surface  of  the  hoof-wall  and  bars,  the  mode  of  union  is 
by  a  series  of  500  to  600  leaves  (laminae)  projecting  on  an 
average  1 J  or  2  lines,  and  each  having  on  its  lateral  aspects 
from  30  to  60  microscopic  secondary  laminse.  These  are 
interleaved  with  the  same  number  of  primary  and  second- 
ary horny  laminae  forming  an  extent  of  connecting  surface 
which  would  beget  incredulity  if  named.  These  inner 
fibrous  and  vascular  laminae  secrete  the  horny  laminae  that 
are  interleaved  with  them,  besides  giving  off  an  amount  of 
moisture,  which  being  absorbed  by  the  cells  of  the  adjacent 
horny  wall,  serves  to  keep  that  soft,  }delding  and  tough. 
So  intimate  is  the  union  between  each  of  these  secreting 
surfaces  and  the  horn  covering  it,  that  the  fibrous  net-work 
w^ill  often  be  torn  from  the  bone,  rather  than  the  horn  from 
the  sensitive  parts.  This  is  above  all  true  of  the  laminae. 
This  close  connection  further  renders  active  inflammation 
in  these  structures  acutely  painful,  for  there  being  no  loose 
tissue  to  yield  to  the  exudation,  it  compresses  these  dense 
structures  and  violently  tears  them  apart.  Thus  extensive 
effusions  of  serum  or  pus  endanger  separation  and  shed- 
ding of  the  hoof.  A  less  acute  inflammation  of  any  oi 
those  secreting  surfaces  leads  to  the  production  of  un- 
healthy horny  growths.  Thus  disease  of  the  seceting 
membrane  at  the  coronet  will  determine  a  bulging,  ragged, 
brittle  line  of  horn  from  above  downward  on  the  hoof- 
wall,  or,  what  is  worse,  a  crack  or  fissure  extending  to  the 
quick.  Disease  of  the  laminae  will  determine  the  forma- 
tion of  a  great  mass  of  soft,  spongy,  yielding  horn  between 


460  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 

the  horny  laminae  and  the  hoof-wall,  causing  a  falling  in 
of  the  waU  anteriorly,  and  a  descent  of  the  margin  of  the 
coffin-bone  so  that  it  will  press  upon  and  even  perforate 
the  sole  (pumice  foot).  In  other  cases  there  is  merely  a 
circumscribed  horny  growth  pressing  inward  on  the  quick 
at  a  particular  point  {keraiDlnjllocde).  If  the  secreting  sur- 
face of  the  sole  is  involved  similar  horny  tumors  may  be 
formed,  as  in  corns.  Disease  of  the  secreting  membrane 
of  the  frog  may  determine  an  unhealthy  secretion  from  the 
cleft  (thrush)  or  an  excessive  growth  and  loss  of  cohesion 
of  the  horny  fibres  (canker). 

In  addition  to  these  disorders  originating  in  the  deeper 
structures  we  have  a  further  Hst  that  take  their  origin  in 
unnatural  states  of  the  horn.  And  for  these  the  current 
modes  of  shoeing  are  mainly  chargeable. 

At  all  points  the  hoof  undergoes  a  steady  condensation 
from  its  inner  to  its  outer  layers.  In  a  transverse  section 
of  the  hoof-waU  the  deeper  tubes  are  open,  spacious  and 
surrounded  by  soft,  yielding,  elastic  horn,  while  those 
near  the  surface  are  exceedingly  minute  and  surrounded 
by  a  far  greater  amount  of  dense,  hard  and  exceedingly 
resistant  horny  matter.  The  outer  surface  is  especially 
close  in  its  texture,  and  as  the  tubes  run  through  the 
whole  length  of  the  wall  to  its  lower  or  wearing  surface, 
where  they  are  closed  by  attrition,  comparatively  little  ex- 
halation of  moisture  can  take  place  from  this  part  of  the 
horn  in  its  healthy  state.  But  it  is  far  different  when  the 
dense  surface  layer  has  been  removed  by  the  rasp,  and 
the  open  ends  of  the  tubes  exposed  all  over  the  sur- 
face of  the  wall.  Then  evaporation  and  drying  go  on 
rapidly,  the  hoof  becomes  hard  and  brittle  and  foUows  its 
constant  tendency,  when  dry,  to  turn  in  at  the  heels  and 
coronet,  causing  absorption  of  the  parts  beneath  and  lay- 
ing the  foundation  of  disease. 

The  sole  and  frog  naturally  increase  in  density  from 
the  quick  outward,  but  the  horn  breaks  up  into  plates  be- 
fore becoming  detached,  the  plates  being  separated  from 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  401 


each  other  and  from  the  tough  elastic  horn  above  by  lay- 
ers of  powdery  horn,  which  serve  along  with  the  plates  tc 
protect  from  bruises  and  check  evaporation.  In  their 
healthy  state,  therefore,  sole  and  frog  are  as  well  pro- 
tected against  evaporation,  drying  and  shrinking  as  is  the 
wall.  But  the  case  is  altered  when,  with  buttress  or 
drawing-knife,  these  native  protectors  are  removed  and 
the  tough  elastic  horn  is  laid  bare.  Then  each  horny 
tube  exhales  its  moisture,  the  horn  dries  and  shrinks, 
drawing  inward  the  lower  borders  of  the  hoof-wall  and 
pressmg  upward,  often  painfully,  on  the  quick.  Nor  can 
the  sole  any  longer  bear  contact  with  hard  bodies,  but 
bruises  and  injuries  are  the  constant  result. 

The  injui-y  in  both  cases  may  be  lessened  somewhat  by 
the  use  of  suitable  hoof  ointments  but  the  process  may  be 
likened  to  that  of  supplying  a  man  with  a  wooden  leg 
after  you  have  ruthlessly  cut  off  his  own  sound  one.  The 
substitute  may  permit  of  the  hmb  being  used  but  the  dif- 
ference, in  utiHty,  safety  and  durability,  is  almost  infinite. 

Among  other  injuries  by  shoeing  may  be  mentioned  un- 
equal strain  thrown  on  different  parts  of  the  hoof  for  want 
of  a  imiform  bearing  on  the  shoe ;  biniises  of  the  sole 
from  the  shoe  being  improperly  fitted,  or  left  on  too  long 
until  it  has  grown  out  over  the  shoe,  or  been  drawn  for- 
ward by  the  excessive  growth  at  the  toe  until  the  heel 
settles  on  the  sole  between  the  wall  and  the  bars  ;  misdi- 
rection of  the  bones  and  joints  by  leaving  one  side  of  the 
hoof  much  higher  than  the  other,  or  by  leaving  the  toe  or 
heel  unnaturally  long  or  short;  pricks  and  binding  by 
nails,  etc.,  etc.  Long-continued  compulsory  idleness  in  a 
stall,  exposure  to  prolonged  moisture,  with  intervals  of 
dr^^ing,  and  continued  contact  with  decomposing  Hquids, 
and  to  the  irritating  ammoniacal  fumes  of  dung  and  urine 
are  further  destructive  conditions  for  the  horn. 

Maxims  for  Shoeing.  The  proper  care,  preparation  and 
preservation  of  the  foot  is  of  far  more  consequence  than 
the  form  of  the  shoe.     The  hoof  must  be  preserved  from 


4G2  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

knife  and  rasp,  excepting  the  line  around  its  margin  and 
lower  surface  on  which  the  shoe  is  to  rest.  This  may  be 
pared  or  rasped,  as  a  rule,  until  the  elastic  horn  of  the 
sole  is  reached,  and  forms,  with  the  lower  border  of  the 
wall,  a  contiQUOUs  smooth  bearing  surface  of  a  breadth 
equal  to  perhaps  one  and  a  half  times,  or  twice  the  thick- 
ness of  the  latter.  But  this  only  in  a  perfect  foot.  One 
that  has  a  ragged  furrow  between  the  sole  and  wall  can- 
not be  treated  in  this  way.  Both  sides,  inner  and  outer, 
must  be  left  perfectly  imiform  in  height.  The  height  of 
heel  and  toe  must  be  determined  by  the  natural  form  of 
the  foot,  excess  and  deficiency  being  alike  avoided.  As  a 
rule  paring  has  to  be  done  mainly  or  alone  at  the  toe,  but 
in  some  cases  the  heels  grow  excessively  as  well.  While 
avoiding  paring  out  of  the  heels  and  bars  as  the  prolific 
cause  of  corns,  we  must  equally  avoid  the  retention  of 
hard  flakes  of  horn  in  this  situation,  where,  imprisoned 
by  the  hoof-wall,  the  bar  and  the  shoe,  they  act  as  foreign 
bodies  and  bruise  the  heel,  as  would  a  stone  or  a  mass  of 
hardened  clay.  That  part  of  the  sole  which  is  uncovered 
by  the  shoe  may  have  the  surface-flakes  removed  with  a 
blunt  instrument,  but  should  never  be  touched  with  a 
knife.  The  frog  need  never  be  touched,  though  there  is 
no  harm  in  removing  ragged  hanging  shreds  and  patches. 
The  sharp  edges  of  the  hoof-wall  should  be  slightly 
rounded  with  a  file  to  prevent  spHtting.  The  shoe  should 
be  of  a  weight  proportionate  to  that  of  the  horse  and  to 
the  work  expected  of  him,  and  of  a  breadth  of  web 
adapted  to  the  protection  demanded  by  the  nature  of  the 
sole.  Its  upper  or  applied  surface  may  be  perfectly 
level,  unless  when  an  unhealthy  convex  sole  demands  that 
it  shall  be  leveled  off  toward  its  internal  border.  Its 
outer  border  should  exactly  correspond  to  the  margin  of 
the  hoof-wall,  without  projecting  beyond  it,  or  requiring 
that  the  wall  be  cut  dowTi  to  its  dimensions.  When  ap- 
plied the  upper  surface  should  fit  accurately  at  all  points 
to  the  hoof.     Bad  as  it  is  for  horn  to  be  seared,  it  is  bet- 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  463 

ter  to  apply  the  slioe,  momentarily,  at  a  dull  red  lieat, 
that  any  imperfection  in  fitting  may  be  detected  and  rem- 
edied, than  to  hurry  on  a  shoe  which  bears  unequally  on 
different  points.  If  the  sole  joins  the  wall  without  a 
break,  the  two  forming  one  continuous  bearing  surface, 
and  if  both  are  of  their  natural  thickness,  the  shoes  are 
better  to  be  coarsely  fullered  and  the  nails  driven  low, 
the  fullering  becoming  finer  and  the  nails  being  driven 
lower  as  we  proceed  from  before  backward,  especially  on 
the  inner  side.  When  the  nails  have  been  drawn  up  and 
riveted  any  roughness  of  the  rivets  may  be  removed  with 
a  file,  but  this  should  not  touch  the  hoof  if  it  is  possible 
to  avoid  it.  In  turning  down  the  clinches  better  make  a 
slight  depression  beneath  each  with  the  point  of  the  draw- 
ing-knife than  an  extended  transverse  furrow  with  the 
rasp,  as  is  usually  done.  Remove  the  shoes  before  the 
hoofs  have  overgro\vn  them  so  as  to  allow  them  to  settle 
on  the  sole,  and  above  all  before  the  gi'owth  of  the  toe 
has  drawn  the  shoe  forward  and  let  the  heel  press  upon 
that  part  of  the  sole. 

DISEASE  OF  THE  BONY  PULLEY  AND  FLEXOR  TENDON  OF  THE 
FOOT.  PEDAL  SESAMOIDITIS.  PODOTEOCHILITIS.  NAVIC- 
ULAR DISEASE. 

This  affection,  misnamed  Coffin-joint  Disease,  implicates 
the  lower  surface  of  the  small  sesamoid  bone  of  the  foot, 
its  synovial  sac  and  ligaments,  and  the  flexor  tendon 
which  plays  over  it. 

Causes.  It  is  especially  the  disease  of  fast  horses,  and 
may  be  largely  charged  to  friction  between  the  tendon 
and  its  bony  pulley,  to  overwork  and  concussion.  But  it 
may  also  depend  on  injuries  to  the  foot  from  bad  shoeing  ; 
undue  paring ;  setting  in  of  the  shoe  on  the  sole ;  im- 
prisoned flakes  of  horn  acting  as  foreign  bodies ;  bruises 
from  stones  or  hardened  clay ;  rasping,  hardening  and 
contraction  of  the  foot ;  drying  and  shrinking  of  the  foot 
fi'om  standing  too  long  idle  in  the  stall ;   injury  to  the 


4G-i  The  Farmer^s  Veterinary  A  iviser. 

quick  from  uneven  bearing  of  the  slioe  in  connection  with 
misfitting  shoes  or  breaking  of  the  hoof-wall;  injuries 
from  nails  driven  into  the  quick  or  picked  up  on  the  road ; 
a  rheumatic  constitution;  impaired  nutrition  with  in- 
creased elimination  of  phosphates  from  the  system  ;  or  an 
extension  of  disease  from  the  digestive  organs  as  in  an 
over-feed  of  grain,  or  a  drink  of  cold  water  when  hot  and 
fatigued,  etc. 

Symptoms.  Pointing  the  affected  foot  eight  or  ten 
inches  in  advance  of  the  other,  with  the  heel  slightly 
raised  when  standing  quietly  in  the  stable.    This  symptom 

Fig.  71. 


Fig.  71— Ulceration  of  the  small  sesamoid  bone  ot  the  foot,  and  distorted 
heels  of  the  coffin-bone. 

may  last  for  months  before  lameness  is  shown.  Stepping 
short  and  on  the  toe  with  a  great  tendency  to  stumble 
when  first  moved  from  the  stable,  which  lameness  may 
entirely  disappear  after  going  a  mile  or  two.  It  is  worse 
when  cooled  off  after  a  long  drive,  but  it  may  appear  in- 
termittently while  at  work,  as  occasional  stumbling  or 
dropping  on  the  sound  foot  for  some  time  at  first.  The 
toe  of  the  shoe  is  more  worn  than  other  parts  owing  to  the 
peculiar  gait.  The  foot  feels  hot,  especially  in  its  poste- 
rior part,  and  in  acute  cases  the  soft  parts  may  bulge  over 
the  coronet  and  the  pastem  arteries  throb  with  unusual 
force.     The  foot  too,  soon  diminishes  in  size,  especially  in 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  465 

the  quarters  and  licels,  where  the  heat,  drying  and  disuse 
are  gi'eatest.  Testing  the  margin  of  the  hoof  with  pincers 
will  not  elicit  tenderness,  unless  there  is  accompanying 
disease  of  the  lateral  parts  of  the  foot  (corns,  bruises, 
pricks,  absorption  or  distortion  of  the  heels  of  the  pedal 
bone,  side  bones,  etc.,)  but  tapping  the  sole  with  a  hammer 
on  each  side  of  the  body  of  the  frog,  or  striking  the  wall 
in  the  region  of  the  quarter  will  cause  the  patient  to  flinch. 
Pressure  with  the  thumb  over  the  middle  of  the  flexor 
tendon,  on  its  inner  side  or  on  its  outer,  as  deeply  as  can 
be  reached  in  the  hollow  of  the  heel,  the  foot  being  bent 
back,  causes  suffering.  There  is  more  or  less  wasting  of 
the  muscles  of  the  limb  from  disuse,  but  this  is  especially 
marked  on  the  breast,  above  the  elbow  and  outside  the 
shoulder-blade.  Hence  the  disease  is  usually  referred  to 
the  shoulder  as  sweeny.  It  is  most  readily  confounded 
with  sprain  of  the  flexor  tendon  behind  the  head  of  the 
small  pastern  bone,  but  is  easily  distinguished  by  the  heat 
and  contraction  of  the  heels  and  the  tenderness  of  the 
centre  of  the  sole  and  the  quarters  to  strokes  of  the  ham- 
mer. To  distinguish  it  from  other  diseases  of  the  feet 
I  must  refer  to  these  individually. 

Treatment.  Usually  unsatisfactory  except  in  certain 
recent  cases.  First  soothe  inflammatory  action,  give  a  lax- 
ative (aloes),  remove  the  shoes,  shorten  the  toe,  and  keep 
standing  from  morning  to  night  in  a  puddle  of  wet  clay 
without  stones  or  gi-avel,  in  which  the  animal  will  sink  to 
the  top  of  the  hoof.  At  night  place  in  a  comfortable  dry 
stall  with  a  poultice  on  the  diseased  foot.  Unless  the  in- 
Qammation  is  severe,  apply  a  mild  blister  to  the  front  and 
sides  of  the  pastern.  If  not  applied  at  first  this  should  be 
resorted  to  as  soon  as  inflammation  moderates,  and  is  to 
be  repeated  when  the  effects  of  the  first  pass  off.  Cases 
that  resist  this  treatment  will  frequently  recover  under  the 
action  of  a  seton  passed  through  the  frog,  and  a  run  for  a 
month  or  two  in  a  damp  pasture  free  from  stones.  Tlie 
recovery  may  be  a  restoration  to  perfect  soundness,  when 
30 


46(]  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

the  surface  of  the  bone  has  not  been  diseased,  or  it  may 
be  a  removal  of  lameness  in  connection  with  a  union  of 
the  bone  and  tendon  when  the  surface  of  the  former  has 
been  the  seat  of  disease.  In  the  last  named  case,  the 
recovery  is  likely  to  be  the  more  permanent,  while  many 
cases  of  apparent  recovery,  in  the  early  stages,  are  followed 
by  relapse.  The  frog  seton  is  introduced  at  the  hollow  of 
the  heel  and  brought  out  at  the  body  of-  the  frog,  but  as 
there  is  much  danger  of  wounding  the  tendon  or  bui^sa  in 
incompetent  hands,  it  can  only  be  safely  undertaken  by 
the  veterinary  anatomist. 

All  other  methods  failing,  resort  is  often  had  to  cutting 
the  nerves  passing  to  the  foot,  so  as  to  remove  all  sensi- 
bility. This  should  never  be  done  unless  the  feet  can  be 
carefully  picked  out  and  sponged  every  time  the  animal 
returns  from  work,  and  kept  covered  with  thick  wet  swabs 
all  the  time  he  stands  in  the  stable.  Neglect  is  sure  to  be 
followed  by  rapidly  advancing  disease  in  the  bone,  exten- 
sion of  inflammation  to  the  structures  around,  abundant 
exudation,  and  destruction  of  bones  and  joints.  Even 
with  the  best  of  care  this  will  occur  in  the  advanced  stages 
of  the  disease,  unless  indeed  the  bone  and  tendon  grow 
together.     For  description  of  neurotomy  see  larger  work. 

SIDE  BONES. 

These  consist  in  extensive  ossification,  from  the  heels 
of  the  coffin-bone  into  the  lateral  cartilages.  Their  gi-eat 
cause  is  improper  shoeing ;  cutting  away  of  the  bars  or 
sole,  so  that  the  wall  turns  inward  and  bruises  the  sole ; 
pressui'e  of  the  shoe  on  the  sole  whether  from  misfitting  or 
from  being  left  too  long  on ;  uneven  bearing  of  the  shoe, 
throwing  too  much  strain  on  one  part ;  pricking  or  pinching 
with  nails  driven  too  near  the  quick ;  the  pressure  of  the 
dry  hard  horn  after  undue  paring  or  rasping,  and  the  con- 
tinuous irritation  which  attends  the  partial  separation  of 
sole  and  wall.  They  are  especially  common  in  lieavy 
horses  with  upright  pasterns  and  the  toe  shortened  rela- 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  4G' 


tively  to  the  heels  or  shod  with  high  heel  calkins,  so  as 
to  increase  concussion  in  action. 

Sijinjytoms.  Lameness  with  a  sliort  stilty  step,  and  a 
tendency  to  stumble  from  the  attempt  to  avoid  shock  on 
the  heels.  The  pasterns  are  upright  and  the  heels  often 
deep  and  strong.  Pressure  on  the  prominence  above  the 
hoof  at  the  quarter,  detects  tenderness  and  a  liard  unyield- 
ing stnicture  instead  of  the  usual  yielding  elastic  gi'istle. 
Bruises  of  the  heel  (corns)  with  bloody  discoloration  of 
the  horn  is  almost  a  constant  result  of  extensive  side- 
bones,  the  sensitive  sole  being  pinched  between  the  bone 
and  hoof. 

Fig  72. 


Fig.  72— Ossified  lateral  cartilages.     Side  bones. 

Treatment.  Subdue  any  existing  inflammation  by  rest, 
blisters  or  even  firing  at  the  coronets,  and  apply  a  bar 
shoe,  the  bar  resting  on  the  bulbs  of  the  frog,  and  keep 
the  hoof-wall,  at  the  heels,  rasped  lower  than  the  rest  of 
the  bearing  surface,  so  that  daylight  can  be  seen  between 
this  part  and  the  shoe.  The  same  shoeing  must  be  kept 
up  when  the  horse  is  put  to  work  or  he  will  soon  fall  lame 
again  from  bniising  of  the  heels. 

Excision  of  the  ossified  cartilage  and  neurotomy  have 
been  resorted  to  with  success,  but  are  inapplicable  to 
most  cases. 

FEACTUEES  OF  THE  BONES  OF  THE  FOOT 

The  small  sesamoid  may  be  broken  after  it  has  been 
weakened  by  superficial  and  internal  absorption.  The 
pedal  bono  may  give  way  from  concussion  when  pre^-iously 
softened  by  disease,  or  in  cases  of  blows  on  the  surface, 


408  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

laceration  aud  detachment  of  horn,  or  wounds  with  nails 
or  other  sharp  bodies  implicating  the  bone.  The  sudden 
and  extreme  lameness  following  an  evident  injury  or  a 
long-standing  disease  may  arouse  suspicions  of  this  and 
if  grating  can  be  heard  the  case  is  certain.  Treatment  is 
rarely  successful,  excepting  in  circumscribed  fractures 
from  wounds,  in  which  case  the  detached  bone  must  be 
removed. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  FOOT.      LAMINITIS.      FOUNDER. 

This  consists  in  inflammation  of  the  sensitive  parts  of 
the  foot,  but  predominating  in  the  anterior  portion  of  the 
laminse,  where  the  greatest  strain  comes  in  standing. 

Causes.  The  disease  may  arise  from  direct  injury  as  in 
over-exertion  on  hard  roads,  blows,  bruises  or  freezing  of 
the  feet,  pricks  or  binding  with  nails,  continued  injury  from 
a  badly  applied  shoe,  or  the  constant  strain  upon  the  feet 
during  a  long  sea  voyage.  It  may  also  occur  from  a  sud- 
den chill,  from  drinking  cold  water  when  heated  and 
fatigued,  from  overloading  of  the  stomach  with  grain, 
from  muco-enteritis,  the  result  of  an  over-dose  of  purgative 
medicine,  or  from  diseases  of  the  lungs  (pneumonia,  bron- 
chitis). Small  and  deformed  feet  and  large  flat  ones  often 
suffer.  Horses  with  heavy  fat  carcasses  are  also  predis- 
posed. 

Symptoms.  When  not  caused  by  direct  injury  to  the 
foot,  it  is  usually  ushered  in  by  fever  and  general  stiffness 
and  soreness  of  the  surface,  with  or  without  shivering, 
but  independent  of  any  tenderness  of  the  foot.  If  not 
relieved  these  are  soon  followed  by  tenderness  of  the 
foot,  usually  predominating  at  the  anterior  part,  but  some- 
times settling  in  the  heel  and  causing  pedal  sesamoid- 
itis.  When  acute  inflammation  is  developed  in  the  lam- 
inae of  the  fore  feet  the  horse  is  in  a  high  fever,  with 
full  hard  pulse,  excited  breathing,  distended  nostrils,  ex- 
tension of  the  fore  feet  forward,  so  that  they  rest  onlj'  on 
the  heels,  and  bringing  of  the  hind  feet  far  forward  be- 


Diseases  of  the  Foot  400 


neatli  tlie  belly,  to  bear  as  much  of  the  weight  as  possible. 
If  moved,  the  horse  groans,  sways  himself  back  on  his 
hind  parts,  and  di-ags  the  fore  feet  on  their  heels,  or  bal- 
ancing himseK  on  the  hind,  hfts  both  fore  feet  at  once 
and  brings  them  down  again  on  their  heels.  The  affected 
feet  are  warm,  even  hot,  and  the  animal  refuses  to  have 
them  lifted  because  of  the  pain  consequent  on  standing 
on  one.  If  they  are  struck  with  a  hammer  the  animal 
winces  and  groans.  The  arteries  on  the  pasterns  throb 
violently.  The  hairs  of  the  mane  and  tail  may  often  be 
pulled  from  their  follicles,  showing  the  general  impHcation 
of  the  skin. 

If  one  fore  foot  only  is  affected  it  is  kept  raised  and 
advanced.  If  the  hind  feet,  they  are  advanced  beneath 
the  belly,  and  the  fore  feet  carried  as  far  backward  as 
possible  to  bear  the  greater  part  of  the  weight. 

Treatment.  In  the  initial  stage,  with  general  stiffness 
but  no  special  tenderness  of  the  feet  over  other  parts, 
vascular  and  nervous  tension  may  be  relieved  and  the 
disease  suddenly  cut  short  by  full  doses  of  sedatives  (lo- 
belia, tobacco,  aconite,)  with  warm  clothing  to  encourage 
perspiration.  Even  at  a  more  advanced  stage  when  the 
feet  are  becoming  congested  and  tender,  the  same  may  be 
resorted  to,  the  feet  being  enveloped  in  warm  poultices, 
and  the  animal  encouraged  to  lie  down  by  supj^lying  a 
clean  comfortable  bed  of  straw.  Or  in  place  of  poulticing 
the  feet,  we  may  seek  to  improve  the  circulation  by  walk- 
ing without  shoes  on  a  soft  newly  plowed  field,  the  heels 
having  been  shghtly  lowered,  if  very  high,  to  allow  press- 
ure on  the  sole,  or  the  patient  may  even  be  walked  on  a 
hard  surface  after  a  long  bar  shoe  with  broad  web  and  a 
slight  rising  at  heel  and  toe  (rocker  fashion)  has  been  ap- 
plied. But  walking  can  never  be  resorted  to  when  the 
extreme  tenderness  and  fever  show  that  active  inflamma- 
tion has  set  in.  In  this  case  a  mild  laxative  (aloes)  must 
be  given  (unless  already  purging)  and  followed  up  by  aco- 
nite or  other  sedatives,  the  feet  must  be  enveloped  in  large 


470  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

poultices  and  the  animal  encouraged  to  lie  down.  Should 
he  refuse  to  lie  down  the  hoof-wall  should  be  rasped  down 
to  let  the  sole  come  in  contact  with  the  ground.  In  severe 
cases  the  coronet  may  be  scarified  with  a  sharp  lancet  and 
the  foot  placed  in  a  bucket  of  warm  water  or  fomented  with 
the  same  to  favor  bleeding.  In  the  course  of  two  days,  if  the 
suffering,  fever  and  local  tenderness  are  increasing  rather 
than  abating,  the  sole  may  be  thinned  and  opened  at  the 
toe,  so  as  to  evacuate  any  serous  exudation  and  limit  the 
separation  of  the  horn  from  the  quick,  the  poultices  being 
kept  on  after  as  before.  In  the  course  of  ten  days  or  a 
fortnight  the  inflammation  should  have  subsided  far 
enough  to  warrant  the  application  of  a  bhster  to  the  pas- 
tern and  an  ointment  to  the  hoof,  while  the  patient  is 
turned  out  on  a  soft  wet  pasture  or  kept  standing  a  part 
of  his  time  on  wet  clay. 

CHRONIC  LAMTNITIS.      CONVEX  SOLES.      PUMICE  FEET. 

If  the  inflammation  persists  in  a  slight  form,  an  excess- 
ive growth  of  soft,  spongy  horn  takes  place  in  front  of  the 
laminae  at  the  toe,  separating  the  coffin-bone  from  the 
hoof-wall  and  allowing  its  anterior  border  to  press  upon 
the  sole  or  even  to  perforate  it.  The  hoof-wall  becomes 
covered  with  rings  usually  running  together  at  the  toe, 
where  it  bulges  out  below  and  falls  in  above.  Complete 
restoration  cannot  be  expected  in  the  worst  cases  of  this 
kind,  but  much  may  be  done  for  the  majority.  Put  on  a 
thick  broad  webbed  bar  shoe  beveled  toward  the  inner 
side  on  its  upper  surface  and  thinner  at  the  heel  than  the 
toe,  dress  the  sole  and  wall  daily  with  hot  tar,  apply  gen- 
tle bUsters  around  the  coronet,  and  keep  in  a  very  soft 
damp  pasture.  The  new  growth  of  horn  may  grow  down 
almost  perfect  in  appearance,  but  it  retains  an  undesira- 
ble brittleness. 

CRACKS  IN  THE  HOOF-WALL.      SAND-CRACK.       QUARTER-CRACK. 

The  predisposition  to  this  is  usually  to  be  found  in 
rasping  and  drying  of  the  hoof-wall,  in  uneven  bearing  of 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  471 


the  shoe,  in  alternate  soaking  of  the  hoof  in  water  and 
drying,  and  in  treads  or  other  temporary  wounds  or  inju- 
ries to  the  coronet.  The  crack  extends  from  the  coronet 
downward,  for  a  variable  distance,  in  the  direction  of  the 
horny  fibres.  If  attended  by  lameness,  the  laminse  are 
usually  being  pinched  between  the  edges  of  the  crack,  the 
irritation  is  perhaps  further  increased  by  the  presence  0/ 
sand  and  dirt,  and  fungous  growths  may  appear  in  the 
sore. 

Treatment.  A  carefully  applied  bar  shoe  having  an 
even  bearing  all  round  the  foot ;  a  nail  driven  through  the 
edges  of  the  crack  and  riveted  so  as  to  hold  them  together ; 
a  transverse  groove,  f  to  1  inch  in  length,  cut  to  the  quick 
just  above  the  upper  end  of  the  crack,  and  active  stimu- 
lation or  slight  bhstering'of  the  coronet  above  this  point 
will  usually  succeed  in  obtaining  an  unbroken  growth 
from  above,  and  when  the  crack  has  grown  off  at  the  lower 
border  the  hoof  is  perfect.  But  the  inflammation  will 
sometimes  demand  poulticing ;  the  nail  may  have  to  be 
replaced  by  a  metallic  plate  fixed  to  the  hoof  on  each  side 
of  the  crack  by  screws  not  exceeding  a  line  in  length  ;  a 
gaping  crack  may  require  filling  with  gutta-percha  or 
other  hard  substance  to  keep  the  edges  immovable ;  or 
finally,  it  may  be  requisite  in  bad  cases  to  cut  out  a  V- 
shaped  piece  of  horn,  the  apex  corresponding  to  the  mid- 
dle of  the  crack  and  the  two  limbs  to  the  coronet  on  the 
two  sides  of  the  crack. 

FALSE  QUARTER. 

This  is  similar  to  a  sand-crack  in  appearance  but  caused 
by  such  destruction  of  the  secreting  structure  at  the  top 
of  the  hoof  that  it  is  impossible  to  obtain  a  growth  of 
horn  to  fill  up  the  interval.  Palliation  by  careful  shoeing 
is  all  that  can  be  accomplished. 

HORNY  TUMOR  OF  THE  LAmNiK. 

This  is  a  result  of  sand-crack,  the  irritation  leadmg  to 
an  increased  secretion  of  horn  on  the  inner  surface  of  the 


472  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adiiscr. 

hoof-waU,  which  in  its  turn  may  press  on  the  quick  and 
cause  lameness.  With  or  without  any  remains  of  sand- 
crack  there  is  tenderness  on  pinching  that  part  of  the 
hoof,  and  when  the  shoe  is  removed  and  the  hoof  pared, 
there  is  observed  a  semicii'cular  encroachment  on  the  sole 
by  a  white  spongy  horn  extending  in  from  the  hoof-waU. 
Wet  swabs  on  the  foot  and  rest  may  subdue  any  inflam- 
mation, but  should  lameness  persist,  the  only  resort  is  to 
cut  out  a  triangular  portion  of  the  wall  including  the  tu- 
mor, poultice  the  part,  then  cover  with  tar  and  wait  for 
the  horn  to  grow  down  in  a  healthy  condition. 

CORNS. 

These  are  at  first  simple  bruises  of  that  part  of  the  sole 
included  between  the  bars  and  the  wall  at  the  heel,  but 
later  there  is  often  an  increased  production  of  horn  and 
the  formation  of  a  homy  tumor  which  presses  injuriously 
on  the  quick.  In  other  cases  the  bruise  causes  active 
inflaromation  and  the  formation  of  matter,  which  if  denied 
escape  below,  will  burrow  toward  the  coronet  or  less  fre- 
quently around  the  toe  and  give  rise  to  disease  in  the 
deeper  fibrous  network,  the  cartilage  or  the  bone.  In 
these  last  conditions  it  usually  results  in  a  fistula  (quittor). 
In  other  cases  the  corn  is  'pared  out  as  is  supposed,  but 
the  heels,  having  lost  the  mechanical  support  of  the  sole, 
curl  forward  and  inward,  repeat  the  bruise  continually, 
keep  up  the  inflammation  and  suppuration  and  what  is 
equivalent  to  an  open  sore  in  the  heel.  The  irritation 
often  produces  absorption  of  the  margin  of  the  bone  at 
the  heels  -vNdth  bony  deposits  above  or  below,  and  ossifica- 
tion of  the  lateral  cartilage,  a  condition  which  almost 
necessarily  perpetuates  the  bruises  or  corns  (see  side  hones). 
Corns  may  exist  in  either  heel  but  are  usually  in  the  inner 
or  weaker  one,  and  prevail  above  all  in  flat  feet  with  low 
weak  heels. 

Symptoms.  Lameness  with  a  tendency  to  i^oint,  with  the 
heel  slightly  raised  when  at  rest,  and  a  short,  stilty,  stum- 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  473 


bling  step  when  moved.  Pinching  the  affected  heel  with 
pincers  or  tapping  it  with  a  hammer  causes  wincing.  If 
the  shoe  is  removed  and  the  heel  pared  out,  the  horn  may 
be  seen  to  be  blood-stained,  but  unless  this  is  seen  on 
removing  the  flakes,  no  one  should  allow  curiosity  to  lead 
to  a  deeper  search.  If  suppuration  has  taken  place  tht» 
tenderness  is  extreme,  often  causing  the  animal  to  keep 
the  foot  raised  and  scarcely  daring  to  touch  the  gi'ound 
with  the  toe,  a  tender  swelling  usually  appears  at  the 
coronet  above  the  affected  heel,  and  pinching  or  ham- 
mering of  the  heel  is  unendurable.  A  horny  tumor  may 
be  recognized  by  symptoms  similar  to  those  sho^vn  in 
keraphyllocde. 

Treatment.  If  a  recent  bmise  and  uncomplicated,  apply 
either  a  bar  shoe  or  a  common  one,  but  rasp  down  the 
bearing  surface  of  the  affected  heel  to  avoid  pressure  as 
advised  for  side  bones,  and  place  the  feet  in  water  or  keep 
the  waU  moist  with  wet  swabs,  and  the  sole  with  oil  meal 
or  clay  packing.  When  tenderness  has  subsided,  smear 
the  hoof  with  ointment  and  work  carefully.  Kemove  the 
shoe  early  enough  to  prevent  pressure  on  that  heel,  and  in 
preparing  the  foot  retain  the  strength  of  the  heel  by  pre- 
serving the  elastic  horn  of  the  sole  between  wall  and  bar. 
Never  allow  this  to  be  pared  and  weakened  unless  it  be  to 
evacuate  matter  or  sand,  or  for  the  removal  of  a  horny 
tumor. 

If  suppuration  has  taken  place,  pare  down  the  heel 
until  the  matter  escapes,  remove  all  horn  detached  from 
the  quick,  and  pare  the  horn  around  this  to  a  thin  edge, 
poultice  until  the  surface  is  smooth,  dry  and  not  at  all 
tender,  then  apply  a  bar  shoe,  a  leather  sole,  and  a 
stuffing  of  tow  and  tar  or  crude  turpentine  (pine  pitch). 
No  pressure  should  be  allowed  on  this  heel  until  the  sole 
has  grown  up  to  its  natural  level,  as  a  support.  Homy 
tumors  may  be  removed  by  paring  out  and  treating  aa 
above  advised,  until  the  sole  attains  its  natural  growth. 
If  old-standing  corns  are  connected  with  death  of  a  por 


47-i  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tion  of  the  heel,  of  the  foot  bone  or  ulceration  of  the 
lateral  cartilage,  these  must  be  scraped  or  cut  off  before 
improvement  is  to.  be  expected.  If  connected  with  side 
boneSf  they  are  liable  to  be  kept  up  by  frequent  pinching 
of  the  quick  between  the  bone  and  horn,  and  demand 
careful  shoeing  to  avoid  pressure  on  the  heel.  Some 
cases  may  be  benefited  by  cutting  out  the  side  bone. 

BRUISES  OF  THE  SOLE. 

Whether  resulting  from  badly  applied  shoes,  stones, 
accumulated  gravel  or  dried  mud,  these  are  to  be  recog- 
nized, like  corns,  by  pinching  the  hoof  or  tapping  it  with 
a  hammer,  and  are  to  be  treated  on  precisely  the  same 
principles,  relieving  the  pressure  when  necessary,  soothing 
the  parts,  opening  when  matter  has  formed,  followed  up  by 
poulticing  and  bar  shoe  with  leather  sole  and  tar  stuffing. 

Graveling  is  closely  allied  to  the  above,  dirt  having 
worked  up  through  the  unnatural  groove  between  the  wall 
and  sole,  and  set  up  suppuration.  Except  in  the  careful 
removal  of  the  foreign  elements,  treatment  does  not  dif- 
fer from  that  of  suppurating  bruise  or  com. 

jt'RICKS  AND  BINDING  WITH  NAILS. 

These  usually  occur  in  thin  weak  feet  or  such  as  have 
been  reduced  by  over-cutting  and  rasping  till  there  is 
little  to  hold  the  nails ;  in  the  case  of  nail  stubs  being  left 
in  the  hoof  from  a  former  shoeing  so  as  to  turn  the  new 
nails  in  a  wrong  direction,  and  when  the  blacksmith  is  too 
stupid  to  recognize  the  difference  between  the  stroke  of 
driving  a  nail  into  the  soft  spongy  horn  and  the  hard  firm 
outer  horn  of  the  wall.  Simple  binding  with  the  nails 
may  cause  intermittent  or  persistent  lameness,  and  there 
is  flinching  on  striking  the  heads  of  the  nails  or  the  wall 
with  a  hammer,  or  in  compressing  the  margiii  of  the  hoof 
with  pincers.  If  matter  forms  there  are  all  the  local  ten- 
derness and  inability  to  use  the  foot  spoken  of  in  suppu- 
rating corn.     In  simple  pricks  an  examination  of  the  nail 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  475 


clinches  usually  reveals  one  higher  than  the  rest,  and  if 
this  is  a  posterior  one  it  is  all  the  more  suspicious.  A 
nail  may  be  di'iven  too  near  the  quick  and  yet  not  cause 
lameness  for  a  week  or  two,  until  some  shght  shifting  in 
the  position  of  the  shoe  causes  it  to  press  painfully. 

Treatment.  In  shght  cases  the  withdrawal  of  the  naiJ 
may  be  all  that  is  necessary.  In  more  severe  it  may  be 
requisite  to  punch  the  nail  holes  nearer  to  the  toe,  to 
drive  the  nails  low,  to  apply  cold  water  or  other  sootliing 
agent  to  the  foot  and  to  rest  for  a  day  or  two.  If  matter 
has  formed  the  course  of  the  offending  nail  must  be  fol- 
lowed with  the  drawing-knife,  the  pus  evacuated  and  the 
parts  treated  afterward  as  in  suppurating  corn.  If  the 
bone  has  been  reached  and  a  dead  scale  exists  on  the 
surface  this  must  be  cut  down  upon  and  removed. 

INCISED  AND  PUNCTURED  WOUNDS  OF  THE  SOLE. 

That  part  of  the  foot  which  is  uncovered  by  the  shoe  is 
liable  to  penetrating  wounds  from  nails,  glass  and  other 
sharp  bodies  on  the  giound,  as  well  as  nails,  pitchforks, 
broken  planks,  etc.,  against  which  they  may  kick.  Such 
wounds  are  dangerous  according  to  their  deptli  and  posi- 
tion. If  from  a  clean  nail,  and  no  deeper  than  just  to 
penetrate  the  quick,  they  are  usually  of  little  consequence, 
and  a  Httle  tar  or  gutta-percha  may  be  used  to  fill  tlie 
wound,  if  any,  until  it  is  seen  whether  inflammation  will 
ensue.  If  deeper,  a  vertical  wound  will  be  most  serious 
in  the  middle  third  of  the  sole,  because  of  the  implication 
of  the  flexor  tendon  and  small  sesamoid  bone,  and  the 
risk  of  pedal  sesamoiditis^  or  even  an  open  coffin-joint  result- 
ing, n  in  the  anterior  third,  the  danger  Hes  mainly  in 
injury  to  the  lower  surface  of  the  coffin-bone,  with  death 
and  removal  of  a  thia  scale  which  must  be  thrown  off 
before  the  wound  can  close.  If  in  the  posterior  third  the 
elastic  fi'og  alone  is  wounded  and  wiU  heal  very  readily. 

Treatment  will  vary  accordingly.  The  simple  removal 
of  the  foreign  body  may  suffice.     Cold  apphcations  may  be 


476  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

needed,  matter  may  require  an  opening  to  escape,  or  the 
bone  may  have  to  be  scraped  to  expose  a  li\ing  sur- 
face. But  in  wounds  of  the  tendon  or  joint  the  foot  must 
be  wi-apped  in  cloths,  the  heels  raised  if  standing,  and  a 
constant  stream  of  cold  water  kept  up  on  the  part,  by 
having  a  caoutchouc  tube  attached  to  the  limb  and  foot 
and  acting  like  a  syphon  to  bring  the  water  from  a  bucket 
at  a  higher  level.  This  may  require  to  be  kept  up  day 
and  night  for  several  days.  The  subsequent  treatment  is 
like  that  for  pedol  sesamoiditis. 

DISTORTIONS  OF  THE  COFFIN-BONE. 

Under  this  head  may  be  named  a  great  variety  of  de- 
formities, the  result  of  disease.  Thus  in  long  continued 
inflammation  of  the  laminae  the  fibrous  net-work  in  front 
of  the  coffin-bone  is  partly  ossified,  giving  this  part  a  con- 
vex aspect  fi'om  above  downward.  Continued  irritation 
of  the  sole  will  equally  develop  a  bony  enlargement  which 
is  associated  with  a  circumscribed  convexity  and  tender- 
ness of  the  sole.  The  pressure  of  a  horny  tumor,  whether 
on  the  laminae,  the  quarter  or  elsewhere,  corresponding  to 
and  pressing  on  the  bone,  will  cause  absorption  and  de- 
pression of  the  bone  to  an  equal  extent.  The  pressure 
on  the  anterior  border  of  the  coffiin-bone,  when  separated 
from  the  hoof-wall  and  resting  upon  the  sole,  leads  to 
extensive  absorption  and  rounding  of  this  part  with  a 
bony  deposit  above,  on  its  front.  Persistent  irritation 
along  the  lateral  borders  of  the  foot  from  binding  with 
nails,  or  the  separation  of  the  wall  and  sole,  with  or  with- 
out the  presence  of  gritty  matters  in  the  groove,  causes 
absorption  and  rounding  of  the  sharp  lateral  mai?gins  of 
the  coffin-bone.  But  the  heels  of  the  coffin-bone  are  the 
parts  which  above  all  suffer  in  this  way.  Bruises  from 
setting  in  of  the  shoe,  from  gritty  matter  or  hard  clay, 
especially  if  a  furrow  has  been  formed  between  wall  and 
sole,  from  curving  forward  and  inward  of  the  heels  when 
the  supporting  sole  has  been  pared  out  in  search  of  corns 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  477 


o?^  to  prevent  their  formation  ;  pressure  from  curving  in  of 
the  wall  which  has  been  allowed  to  grow  too  long  without 
support  from  the  sole,  or  has  been  rasped  till  it  diies  or 
withers ;  uneven  bearing  of  the  shoe  ;  all  undue  paring  of 
heels  and  quarters  contribute  to  produce  absorption  and 
rounding  of  the  naturally  sharp  border  of  the  coffin-bone 
at  its  heels,  bony  deposits  above  and  below,  induration, 
softening,  ulceration  or  death  of  more  or  less  of  the  bony 
tissue,  and  permanent  unsoundness. 

The  existence  of  such  distortions  must  be  ascertained 
from  the  unnatural  appearance  of  the  hoof ;  the  signs  of 
a  homy  tumor ;  a  rugged  unhealthy  hoof-wall ;  a  flat  or 
convex  appearance  of  the  sole  in  whole  or  in  part ,  a 
deep  furrow  between  sole  and  wall ;  wasting  and  diminu- 
tion of  the  foot  as  a  whole,  but  especially  of  the  heels  and 
quarters ;  and  it  may  be  side  bone  or  fistula.  There  is 
more  or  less  tenderness  of  the  feet  and  stilty  careful  gait, 
or  there  may  be  extreme  lameness.  It  will  be  observed 
that  these  distortions  are  usually  connected  with  some 
other  disease  of  the  feet,  and  the  symptoms  will  vary 
according  to  the  nature  of  the  accompanying  lesion. 

Such  changes  of  bony  structure  are  permanent  as  a  rule, 
so  that  our  attention  must  be  given,  first  to  the  removal 
of  any  unnatural  condition  which  has  caused  and  is  per- 
petuating them,  and  then  to  secure  such  a  system  of  shoe- 
ing as  will  allow  of  the  utiHzation  of  the  animal  in  spite 
of  the  acquired  deformities.  The  hoof  must  be  encouraged, 
by  ointments,  stimulants  to  the  coronets,  and  perhaps  a 
cool  moist  pasture,  to  grow  as  nearly  as  possible  to  the 
natural  condition.  Then  the  shoe  must  be  applied  so  as 
to  secure  the  greatest  extent  of  bearing  surface,  without 
injury  to  the  deformed  and  weak  points.  In  many  cases 
a  heuc  shoe  is  wanted  to  avail  of  the  frog  for  bearing  weight ; 
a  leather  sole  may  be  necessary  in  others ;  a  broad  web  to 
the  shoe,  on  one  or  on  both  sides,  may  be  essential  for 
protection  ;  in  othei  cases  the  upper  surface  must  be  bev- 
eled ;  in  still  others  the  nail-holes  must  be  stamped  onlj 


478  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

around  the  toes;  clips,  small  nails,  artificial  repairs  of 
breaclies  in  the  hoof-wall  may  be  resorted  to,  but  it  is 
beyond  the  scope  of  this  work  to  do  more  than  hint  at 
what  can  only  be  accomplished  by  a  combination  oi 
anatomical  knowledge,  mechanical  skill  and  manual  dex- 
terity. 

CONTRACTION. 

This  is  a  great  bugbear  of  horsemen,  since  it  exists  in 
nearly  all  the  affections  of  the  foot.  It  is  usually  a  result 
and  symptom  of  disease,  attending  as  we  have  seen  on 
many  different  maladies,  in  which  the  hoof  shrinks  from 
the  heat,  dryness  and  disuse.  It  may  also  occur  fi'om 
simple  idleness  in  a  stall ;  from  overgrowth  of  the  hoof- 
waU,  which  curls  in  for  want  of  support  fiom  the  sole  and 
moisture  from  the  laminae  ;  from  hardening  and  shrinking 
of  the  heels  as  the  result  of  rasping,  or  of  alternate  soak- 
ings  and  drying;  from  undue  paring  of  the  heels,  bars 
and  frog,  thus  removing  the  natural  supports  ;  and  from 
the  effects  of  the  shoe  and  nails  in  preventing  the  normal 
expansion  in  growth,  and  in  removing  the  frog  and  sole 
from  use  and  pressure.  Thus  produced  it  is  not  a  direct 
cause  of  lameness  and  feet  can  be  shown  in  wliich  the  two 
heels  overlap  each  other  without  such  a  result.  Yet  such 
contraction  implies  wasting  or  absorption  of  the  internal 
sensitive  structures,  diminution  of  the  basis  of  support, 
with  a  corresponding  weakness  and  tendency  to  disease 
under  shghter  deter miaing  causes  than  in  the  healthy 
state.  The  simplest  treatment  is  to  remove  the  shoes 
round  the  edges  of  the  hoof-wall  to  prevent  splittiug,  and 
keep  standing  sixteen  hours  a  day,  for  two  or  three  weeks, 
in  a  puddle  of  wet  clay,  then  use  hoof  ointments  freely, 
and  apply  a  shoe  with  equal  bearing  throughout  and  with- 
out any  bevel  on  its  upper  surface. 

TREADS  ON  THE  CORONET. 

These  are  especially  common  in  winter  when  the  shoes 
are  sharpened  for  frost.     They  aie  dangerous  because  oi 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  479 

the  frequent  implication  of  the  hom-secreting  structures, 
so  as  to  cause  false  quarter,  and  from  the  tendency  of 
matter  to  burrow  beneath  the  horn  and  in  the  supporting 
fibrous  net-work  to  form  a  fistula.  They  should  be 
thoroughly  cleansed  from  all  sand  and  mud,  the  inflamma- 
tion subdued  by  soothing  appHcations  (wet  bandages  or 
weak  astringent  lotions)  and  care  taken  to  prevent  the 
further  introduction  of  dii't.  To  this  end  a  simple  cover- 
ing of  tar  will  sometimes  suflice,  but  in  other  cases  a  care- 
fully applied  bandage  is  essential.  Muddy  roads  should 
be  avoided  until  healing  is  complete. 

FISTULA  OF  THE  CORONET.      QUITTOR. 

Causes,  Treads  and  other  wounds  of  the  coronet ;  sup- 
purating corns,  bruises,  pricks  and  wounds  of  the  sole ; 
suppuration  from  the  working  in  of  sand  or  gravel  between 
the  sole  and  wall ;  irritation  from  sand-cracks  and  false 
quarters,  and  disease  of  the  coffin-bone  or  its  cartilage. 

Symptoms.  Following  on  some  one  of  the  above  dis- 
orders there  is  a  tender  swelling  at  the  coronet,  which 
bursts,  discharging  a  more  or  less  whitish  serous  fluid  and 
shows  no  tendency  to  dry  up  nor  close.  If  probed  it  is 
found  to  lead  into  one  or  more  small  canals  in  the  fibrous 
net-work  which  covers  the  bone  and*  elastic  structures  of 
the  foot,  and  it  may  be  to  diseased  or  dead  portions  of 
bone  or  gristle. 

Treatment.  If  the  inflammation  is  very  violent  the  foot 
should  be  enveloped  in  a  large  poultice  and  a  laxative  ad- 
ministered. When  moderated,  inject  a  shghtly  caustic 
solution  in  the  direction  of  each  canal  and  as  far  as  possi- 
ble. (Bichloride  of  mercury  5  grains,  spirits  of  wine  1  oz., 
muriatic  acid  20  drops).  Less  depends  on  the  composi- 
tion of  the  mixture  than  on  the  apphcation.  Inject  it 
three  times  the  first  day,  twice  the  second  and  once  a  day 
thereafter.  When  the  discharge  has  ceased  and  the  wound 
is  almost  superficial,  stop  the  injection  and  apply  a  simple 
dressing  of  wet  tow.     In  aggravated  cases  with  disease  oi 


480        Tlie  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

the  lateral  cartilage  or  bone,  these  may  require  to  be  cu< 
out  or  scraped,  but  our  Hmits  will  not  permit  a  furthei 
notice  of  this. 

POWDERY  DEGENERATION  OF  THE  DEEP  PARTS  OF  THE  WALL. 
SEEDY  TOE. 

The  result  of  uneven  bearing  of  the  shoe,  the  formation 
of  furrows  between  the  sole  and  wall,  direct  violence,  as 
blows,  or  the  too  tight  hammering  of  clips,  etc.,  this  is 
manifested  by  an  irregularity  or  dryness  of  the  affected 
part  of  the  wall,  and  the  formation  of  a  cavity,  filled  with 
horn  powder  between  the  laminae  and  the  wall  of  the  hoof. 
Clear  out  the  cavity  until  the  tough  healthy  horn  is 
reached,  then  fill  with  warm  tar  and  shoe  carefully  to  give 
a  uniform  bearing.  A  clip  may  be  useful  as  a  support  to 
the  undermined  horn  but  it  is  destructive  to  hammer  it 
tight.  The  dressing  must  be  repeated  at  each  shoeing 
until  the  cavity  is  fiUed  up. 

INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  SECRETING  MEMBRANE  OF  THE  FROG 
WITH  DISCHARGE.      THRUSH. 

Causes.  Exposure  to  wet  and  filth ;  standing  on  dung, 
or  in  a  dirty,  wet  yard ;  stuffing  the  feet  with  cow- dung ; 
bruises  of  the  frog ;  undue  paring ;  wounds  of  the  frog ; 
accumulation  of  dried  mud  or  gravel  in  the  cleft ;  exten- 
sion of  disease  from  the  skin  of  the  heel,  etc. 

Symptoms.  Foetid  discharge  from  the  cleft,  soreness  of 
the  skin  behind  this,  lameness  or  not  according  to  severity. 

Treatment.  "Wash  out  the  diseased  part,  pare  away  all 
ragged  detached  horn,  and  apply  some  astringents  (dry 
calomel  pressed  in  on  a  pledget  of  tow ;  tar  with  a  few 
drops  of  sulphuric  acid  on  the  surface ;  carbolic  acid ;  oi 
finely  powdered  sulphate  of  copper  or  zinc). 

CANKER. 

This  is  a  more  inveterate  inflammation  of  the  frog,  and 
it  may  be  the  sole,  representing  in  the  horn-secreting 


Diseases  of  the  Foot.  481 

sti-uctures  that  aggi-avated  affection  of  the  skin  of  the 
heel  in  which  red  fungous  growths  appear.  It  may  be 
preceded  by  thrush  and  is  due  to  the  same  general  causes, 
though  it  is  also  attributed  to  a  parasitic  fungus.  It  is 
especially  common  in  coarse  lymphatic  subjects. 

Symptoms.  A  rapid  growth,  from  the  frog  or  sole  or 
both,  of  a  soft,  unhealthy,  spongy  horn,  the  tubes  of  wliich 
are  unnaturally  large,  open  and  wanting  in  cohesion,  so 
that  they  often  stand  apart  fi-om  each  other,  and  have  the 
appearance  rather  of  a  fleshy  material  than  of  horn.  If 
cut  down  it  may  grow  up  to  the  same  level  in  twenty-four 
hours,  and  the  enlarged  villi  are  reached  and  bleed  long 
before  this  would  have  happened  in  healthy  horn.  As  in 
thiTish  there  is  a  most  offensive  discharge,  and  the  disease 
is  very  obstinate  to  treat. 

Treatment.  Cut  down  the  fungous  horn  till  blood 
comes,  and  the  adjacent  horn  to  the  same  level.  Then 
cover  with  tow  soaked  in  tincture  of  muidate  of  iron  and 
apply  firm  pressure  by  slips  of  wood  placed  side  by  side 
with  one  end  of  each  resting  above  the  web  of  the  shoe 
at  the  toe,  and  the  other  on  a  slip  extending  across  the 
bulbs  of  the  frog  and  resting  above  the  heels  of  the  shoe. 
This  must  be  removed  and  the  dressing  renewed  at  least 
once  in  twenty-four  houi's.  Should  the  course  of  improve- 
ment seem  lagging,  change  the  di'essing  for  carbolic  acid, 
chromic  acid,  the  mineral  acids,  sulphate  of  copper  or 
iron,  chloride  of  zinc,  quicklime,  chloride  of  antimony  or 
other  caustic,  resort  being  had  to  a  new  one  in  every 
instance  as  the  former  seems  to  lose  its  effect.  The  re- 
moval of  the  entire  sole  is  essential  to  recovery  in  some 
cases. 

SIMPLE  FOOT-KOT  IN  CATTLE  AND  SHEEP. 

This  is  a  simple  inflammation  of  the  horn-secreting 

structures  and  adjacent  skin,  the  result  of  direct  irritation: 

Wealing  of  the  sole  to  the  quick  from  long  journeys  on 

hard  roads ;  curling  in  of  overgrown  waUs  on  the  sole  on 

31 


482  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

soft,  boggy  pastures ;  wounds  with  sharp  bodies  like  nails, 
glass,  etc.;  the  accumulation  and  drying  of  clay  or  mud 
between  the  claws;  softening  of  the  horn  and  irritation 
from  standing  on  hot  reeking  manure ;  irritation  of  the 
skin  around  the  coronets  by  iced  water,  etc. 

Symptoms  will  vary  according  to  the  form,  but  in  aU 
there  is  lameness,  often  severe,  the  sheep  getting  down  ou 
its  knees  to  feed,  and  an  examination  of  the  foot  shows 
the  nature  of  the  injury.  In  the  case  of  wounds  with 
nails,  glass,  etc.,  the  heat  of  the  hoof  will  show  the  injured 
one,  and  a  slight  paring  will  detect  the  wound  if  not  the 
offending  body. 

Treatment.  In  case  of  a  simple  superficial  rawness 
between  the  claws,  clean  the  part  and  touch  Tvdth  a  feather 
dipped  in  a  mixture  of  one  part  of  sulphuric  acid  and 
three  or  four  parts  of  water;  or  the  surface  may  be 
smeared  with  tar  and  a  bandage  tied  between  the  claws 
and  around  the  pastern.  In  case  of  the  formation  of 
matter  beneath  the  horn  the  foreign  body,  if  any,  should 
be  removed,  the  detached  horn  pared  away  until  we  reach 
that  which  is  still  connected  with  the  quick,  the  surround- 
ing horn  should  be  pared  down  to  a  thin  edge  and  the 
sore  covered  with  tar,  with  a  few  drops  of  sulphuric  acid 
on  the  sui'face,  the  whole  being  closely  bound  up  in  a 
bandage.  In  exceptional  cases  the  severity  of  the  inflam- 
mation may  demand  a  poultice,  over  the  surface  of  which 
a  weak  solution  of  sugar  of  lead  may  be  poured.  One  tar 
dressing  is  often  enough,  but  the  foot  should  always  be 
examined  a  few  days  after,  and  any  hindrance  to  the  heal- 
ing process  removed.  Bad  cases  with  fungous  growths 
must  be  treated  like  similar  cases  in  the  horse. 

Sheep  kept  in  low,  soft  pastures  should  have  the  hoof 
shortened  by  a  knife  or  toe  nippers  at  short  intervals,  to 
prevent  injury  to  the  sole. 

CONTAGIOUS  FOOT-ROT 

Presents  symptoms  resembling  those  of  simple  foot-rot^ 
but  usually  begins  at  the  coronet  unless  in  the  case  of 


Diseases  of  the  Foot  483 


pre-existing  sores,  and  tends  to  produce  fungous  growths 
of  the  skin  around  the  margin  of  the  hoof  and  a  degenera- 
tion of  horn  in  some  respects  comparable  to  canker.  It  is 
mainly  to  be  recognized  by  its  spread  in  a  flock  as  a 
sequence  of  contact  with  diseased  animals,  and  without 
any  sufficient  cause  in  their  management  or  in  the  damp- 
ness of  the  locality. 

Treatment  does  not  differ  materially  from  that  of  simple 
foot-rot  except  that  a  preference  must  be  given  to  antisep- 
tics in  the  selection  of  caustic  dressings.  Hydrochloric 
acid  reduced  with  thrice  its  bulk  of  water ;  chloride  of 
zinc  1  dr.,  water  1  pint ;  carbolic  acid ;  butter  of  antimony, 
may  be  cited  as  examples.  Much  more  important,  how- 
ever, is  it  to  separate  the  soimd  from  the  diseased,  and 
from  contaminated  pastures  and  buildings,  and  to  thor- 
oughly cleanse  and  disinfect  the  latter  before  they  are 
again  used  for  the  shelter  of  flocks  (see  Disinfection). 

FOOT-ROT  FROM  TUBERCULOSIS. 

This  is  common  in  cattle  and  sheep,  the  disease  com- 
mencing in  the  digital  bones,  which  are  enlarged  with 
interstitial  and  surrounding  deposit,  leading  to  open  sores, 
open  joints  and  complete  destruction  of  the  member  (see 
Tvbercvlosis), 


CHAPTER  XXI. 
DISEASED  GEOWTHS 

The  limits  of  the  present  work  forbid  any  systematic  de- 
scription of  the  various  degenerations  of  tissue  (fatty,  min- 
eral, amyloid,  pigmentary,  etc.,)  and  of  the  tumors  or  dis- 
eased growths  which  appear  in  different  parts  of  the 
system.  The  last  will  only  be  noticed  so  far  as  to  point 
out  the  principal  distinctive  characters  of  the  malignant 
tumors  or  cancers,  and  the  simple. 

Simple  Tumors  are  composed  of  elements  like  those 
previously  existing  at  the  same  or  some  other  part  of  the 
body ;  they  do  not  tend  to  draw  surrounding  structures 
into  their  substance,  but  grow  between  these  and  push 
them  aside  ;  usually  they  are  surrounded  by  distinct  sacs 
which  separate  them  completely  from  surrounding  tissues 
except  where  the  blood-vessels  enter ;  they  do  not  tend  to 
produce  swellings  in  the  nearest  lymphatic  glands,  by  rea- 
son of  propagation  of  elements  absorbed  from  the  dis- 
eased mass,  nor  an  unhealthy  constitutional  state — dys- 
crasia — tending  to  the  formation  of  such  diseased  masses 
in  internal  organs  ;  and  their  elements  tend  to  be  resolved 
mainly  into  fat  or  gelatine  by  boiling,  which  shows  there 
is  little  albumen  in  their  structure. 

Cancers,  on  the  other  hand,  usually  contain  elements 
unlike  any  previously  existing  in  the  system.  The  pres- 
ence of  large  cells,  each  containing  smaller  ones  (nuclei) 
in  its  interior,  and  these  still  smaller  nuclei  (nucleoli),  was 
at  one  time  thought  characteristic  of  cancer,  and  though 
this  cannot  now  b  e  maintained,  yet  the  abundance  of  such 


Diseased  Groivths.  485 


cells,  or  of  any  cells,  implying  the  growth  of  the  tumor  is 
always  highly  suspicious.  These  tumors  have  no  clearly- 
defined  limit,  nor  limiting  sac,  but  grow  in  the  natiu-al 
stmctures,  cbawing  them  into  their  substance  and  trans- 
forming them  into  a  cancerous  mass.  Hence,  a  canccii 
near  the  surface  will  often  lead  to  a  depression  at  first  by 
the  drawing  in  of  the  skin,  and  in  the  mammary  glands 
the  drawing  in  of  the  teat  is  a  most  characteristic  early 
symptom.  They  are  hereditary,  tending  to  appear  m  the 
offspring  at  the  same  age  as  in  the  parent.  They  lead  to 
early  and  painful  swelling  of  the  adjacent  lymphatic 
glands,  of  the  internal  lymphatic  glands  and  of  the  spleen, 
and  produce  or  aggravate  the  unhealthy  constitutional 
state  on  which  the  deposition  of  cancer  depends.  If  re- 
moved, there  is  a  gi-eat  Habihty  to  the  formation  of  cancer 
m  the  same  situation  or  some  other,  and  especially  if  we 
fail  to  remove  the  whole  organ  in  which  the  disease  pri- 
marily appeared.  They  are  more  vascular,  and  gi'ow 
faster  without  ai^parent  cause  (mechanical  injury,  expos- 
ure,) than  simple  tumors.  Finally  they  contain  an  ex- 
cess of  albumen,  and  the  larger  the  proportion  of  albumen, 
of  cells  and  gi-anules,  the  more  rapid  is  the  gi-owth  and 
the  more  redoubtable  the  result. 

The  Hard  Cancers  (Scirrhm)  are  firm  and  crisp  under 
the  knife,  and  from  the  cut  surface  exudes  a  whitish  liuid 
—  cancer-juice  —  containing  the  characteristic  cells  and 
granules.  Soft  or  Brain-like  Cancer  is  very  soft  and  fria- 
ble, bleeds  freely  when  woimded,  contains  a  great  excess 
of  cells  and  granules,  and  from  its  rapid  growth  pushes 
existing  tissues  aside  so  as  to  feel  more  circumscribed. 
It  is  the  cancer  of  the  young  and  of  particular  organs, 
such  as  the  eye,  grows  rapidly,  opens  early,  exposing  a 
raw,  unhealthy,  bleeding  surface,  and  has  a  short  and  fa- 
tal course.  It  is  often  complicated  by  an  extensive  pro- 
duction of  black  pigment  (melanotic  cancer).  In  Epif/w- 
linl  Cftnrer  the  morbid  product  consists  mainly  in  epithe- 
lial cells,  and  it  gi'ows  dowTiward  into  the  substance  of  the 


486  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

tissues  as  well  as  outward  from  the  skin.  It  is  slow  to 
implicate  adjacent  lymphatic  glands,  or  to  produce  a  con- 
stitutional dyscrasia  with  internal  deposits,  and  hence  its 
removal  is  much  more  frequently  successful.  Colloid  Can- 
cer is  characterized  by  the  formation  of  a  mucous  or  gelat- 
inous liquid  containing  a  kernel  of  granules  and  rounded 
simple  or  nucleated  cells,  enclosed  in  spherical  cavities, 
surrounded  by  a  delicate  membranous  stroma,  made  up 
of  the  former  tissues  of  the  part.  Osteoid  Cancer  of  ivory- 
like hardness,  with  a  vascular  surface  and  interspaces,  has 
not  been  observed  in  the  lower  animals. 

Treatment  of  Tumors.  Recent  simple  tumors,  still 
largely  cellular,  may  sometimes  be  removed  by  stimulat- 
ing embrocations,  as  iodine  ointment  or  tincture,  cam- 
phorated spirit,  soap  liniment,  etc.  Others  may  be  greatly 
reduced  or  even  entirely  removed  by  the  occasional  injec- 
tion into  their  substance,  through  a  very  fine  needle-like 
tube,  of  discutients  (weak  solutions  of  iodine).  In  cystic 
tumors  the  evacuation  of  the  Hquid  through  a  fine  cannula 
or  needle-like  tube,  and  the  injection  of  a  weak  solution 
of  iodine  (one  part  of  the  compound  tincture  and  three 
parts  water)  will  often  succeed.  But  most  frequently, 
and  especially  in  old-standing  tumors,  resort  must  be  had 
to  the  knife  or  to  caustics.  Excision  with  the  knife  is  the 
quickest  and  usually  the  preferable  mode,  but  in  some 
dangerous  situations  caustic  may  be  preferred.  Its  em- 
ployment is  founded  on  the  fact  that  it  tends  to  eat  away 
the  diseased  mass  sooner  than  the  healthy ;  but  this  par- 
tial immunity  of  the  sound  tissues  will  not  wan-ant  the  use 
of  such  agents  as  caustic  potassa  or  soda,  which  quickly 
permeate  all  cell  structures  ahke  and  destroy  them.  Ni- 
trate of  silver,  chloride  of  zinc,  sulphate  of  copper,  ter- 
chloride  of  antimony,  or  the  mineral  acids,  are  usually 
preferable.  Protection  against  cold,  ill-health  arising 
from  other  sources,  mechanical  injuries  and  exposures  to 
cold  or  wet  are  important  elements  in  treatment. 

For  cancers,  an  early  and  extensive  removal  with  the 


Diseased  Growths.  48! 


knife  may  be  said  to  hold  out  the  only  hope.  The  whole 
organ  in  which  the  cancer  grows  should  be  cut  out,  as  a 
rule,  to  insure  the  removal  of  all  diseased  elements,  and 
any  interference  is  to  be  deprecated  when  the  adjacent 
lymphatic  glands  are  already  enlarged. 

Attempts  have  been  made  to  dissolve  and  remove  can- 
cers and  other  tumors  with  pepsin,  and  with  considerable 
success,  the  agent  virtually  digesting  the  diseased  prod- 
ucts with  little  pain,  while  the  healthy  tissues  remain  un- 
affected. 


APPENDIX. 

ACTION,  DOSES,  ETC.,  OF  MEDICINES. 

To  some  readers  a  few  words  of  explanation  may  be 
necessary  in  order  to  the  proper  understanding  of  the  drugs 
and  their  doses. 

1.      EXPLANATION  OF  TERMS. 

Alteratives  change  in  some  unexplained  way  the  condi- 
tions and  functions  of  organs. 

Ancesthetics  deprive  of  sensation  and  suffering. 

Anodynes  allay  or  diminish  pain. 

Antacids  are  antidotes  to  acids. 

Anthelmintics  kill  or  expel  worms. 

Antiperiodics  obviate  the  return  of  a  paroxysm  in  peri- 
odic diseases. 

Antiseptics  prevent,  arrest  or  retard  putrefaction. 

Antispasmodics  prevent  or  aUay  cramps. 

Aperients  gently  open  the  bowels. 

Aromutics,  strong-smeUing  stimulants  which  dispel  wind 
and  aUay  pain. 

Astringents  cause  contraction  of  vital  structures. 

Carminatives^  warming  stimulants  (Aromatics). 

Cathartics  freely  open  the  bowels. 

Cholagogues  increase  the  secretion  of  bile. 

Demulcents  sheathe  and  protect  irritated  surfaces. 

Diaphoretics  cause  perspiration. 

Discutients  dispel  enlargements. 

Disinfectants  destroy  infecting  matter. 

Diuretics  increase  the  secretion  of  urine. 


Appendix. 


480 


Ecbolics  cause  contraction  of  the  womb. 

Emetics  induce  vomiting. 

Expectorants  increase  the  secretion  from  the  air  tubes 

Febrifuges  counteract  fever— lower  temperature. 

Laxatives  (Aperients). 

Narcotics  allaj  pain  and  produce  sleep. 

Parturients  (Ecbolics). 

Purgatives  (Cathartics). 

Refrigerants  diminish  heat. 

Sedatives  depress  nervous  power  or  lower  circulation. 

Soporifics  induce  sleep. 

Stimulants  temporarily  excite  the  nervous  or  circulatory 
system. 

Sudorifics  (Diaphoretics). 

Sialogogues  increase  the  secretion  of  saliva. 

Stomachics  improve  digestion. 

Tonics  gradually  and  permanently  improve  digestion 
and  nutrition. 

Vermifuges  kill  and  expel  worms. 

2.      GRADUATION  OF  DOSES. 

The  doses  given  may  be  held  applicable  to  full-grown 
animals  of  medium  size,  therefore  some  allowance  must  be 
made  in  any  case  in  which  the  patient  exceeds  or  comes 
short  of  the  average  of  his  kind.  A  similar  modification 
must  be  made  as  regards  young  animals,  not  only  on  ac- 
count of  their  smaller  size  but  also  of  their  greater  sus- 
ceptibility.    The  following  table  may  serve  as  a  guide  : 


HORSE,  ETC. 

ox. 

SHEEP. 

SWINE. 

DOGS. 

3  years. 

9-i8  m'ths. 

5-9     " 
1-5     " 

2  years. 

1-2       '* 

6-12  m'ths. 
3-6     " 
1-3     '• 

I^  years. 
9-i8m'ths. 
5-9    " 
3-5     '• 
1-3    '* 

15  m'ths. 
8-15     " 
6-8     " 
3-6    " 
1-3     - 

3-6  m'ths. 

20-45  tl^ys* 
10-20    '* 

I  part. 

1= 

Allowance  must  also  be  made  for  a  nervoas  tempera- 
ment which  usually  renders  an  animal  more  impressible 


490  The  Farrtier's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

for  habit  or  continued  use  which  tends  to  decrease  the 
susceptibility  for  individual  dinigs,  for  idiosyncrasy  which 
can  only  be  discovered  by  observing  the  action  of  the 
agent  on  the  particular  subject,  and  for  the  influence  of 
disease  when  that  is  likely  to  affect  the  action.  Thus  in 
most  diseases  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  and  in  some 
impactions  of  the  stomach,  double  the  usual  quantities  of 
purgative  medicine  will  be  necessary,  while  in  influenza 
and  other  low  fevers  half  the  usual  doses  may  prove  fatal. 
In  acute  congestion  of  the  brain,  stimulating  narcotics 
(opium,  belladonna,  hyoscyamus,)  would  aggravate  the 
symptoms,  etc. 

3.   FREQUENCY  OF  ADMINISTEATION. 

Anodynes,  Antispasmodics,  Narcotics,  Sedatives  and 
Stimulants  may  generally  be  repeated  once  in  four  or  six 
hours  in  order  to  maintain  their  effect.  Alteratives,  Dia- 
phoretics, Febrifuges,  Eefrigerants  and  Tonics  may  be 
administered  twice  daily.  Purgatives  should  only  be 
given  when  necessary  and  should  never  be  repeated  until 
from  the  lapse  of  time  we  are  assured  that  the  first  dose  is 
to  remain  inoperative.  Thus  unless  in  urgent  need,  a 
horse  should  not  take  a  second  dose  of  physic  under 
thirty-six  hours  after  the  exhibition  of  the  first,  and  in  all 
cases,  until  the  medicine  has  worked  off,  he  should  be 
kept  at  rest  and  allowed  only  warm  bran  mashes  and 
water  with  the  chill  taken  off.  In  ruminants  a  second  dose 
may  be  ventured  on  in  twelve  or  sixteen  hours,  and  in 
carnivora  and  omnivora  in  from  seven  to  ten  hours. 
Emetics  should  be  given  in  full  doses  and  repeated  in  five 
or  ten  minutes  if  they  fail  to  take  effect,  their  action  being 
further  solicited  by  copious  draughts  of  tepid  water  and 
tickling  of  the  back  of  the  mouth  with  a  feather. 

4.  FOBM  TO  ADMINISTEB. 

Drugs  may  often  be  given  as  powder  or  solution  in  the 
food  or  water ;  they  may  be  made  into  a  soft  solid  with 


Ajppendix.  491 


syrup  and  linseed  meal,  rolled  into  a  sliort  cylinder  and 
covered  with  soft  paper ;  tliey  may  be  converted  into  an 
infusion  with  warm  or  cold  water,  or  into  a  decoction  by 
boiling ;  or  they  may  be  powdered  and  suspended  in  thick 
gruel  or  mucilage.  They  may  be  given,  in  a  liquid  form, 
from  a  horn  or  bottle  ;  or,  as  a  short  C3'linder  or  pill,  may 
be  lodged  over  the  middle  of  the  root  of  the  tongue ;  or, 
as  a  sticky  mass,  they  may  be  smeared  on  the  back  teeth  j 
or  they  may  be  given  as  an  injection  into  the  rectum  ;  or 
finally,  in  the  case  of  certain  powerful  and  non-irritating 
agents,  they  may  be  injected  under  the  skin. 

No  agent  should  be  given  until  sufficiently  diluted  to 
prevent  irritation,  if  retained  a  few  minutes  in  the  mouth, 
and  irritants  that  will  not  mix  with  water  (oil  of  turpen- 
tine, croton  oil,  etc.,)  should  be  given  in  a  bland  oil,  in 
milk  or  in  eggs  after  having  been  thoroughly  mixed. 


492  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 


DRUGS  AND  DOSES. 

When  not  othenuise  stated,  the  doses  for  the  horse  may  be  given  to  ox,  ass 
and  mule,  and  those  of  the  sheep  to  the  goat  and  swine. 

Acetic  ACID,  antidote  to  acids,  cooling  astringent:  Horse  i  dr;  ox  2 
drs  ;  ass  i  dr ;  sheep  i  scr ;  dog  2-3  drops. 

Tincture  of  aconite,  sedative,  diaphoretic:  Horse  20-30  drops;  ox 
30-40  drops;  ass  15-20  drops  ;    sheep  3-5  drops  ;  dog  1-3  drops. 

Alcohol,  stimulant,  diuretic,  narcotic:  Horse  1-3  oz  ;  ox  3-6  oz;  ass  I 
oz ;  sheep  ^  oz  ;  dog  2  drs.     Locally  cooling  astringent. 

Brandy,  whisky  and  gin,  stimulant,  diuretic,  narcotic .  Horse  3-6  oz ; 
ox  6-12  oz  ;  ass  2-5  oz ;  sheep  10  oz ;  dog  ^  oz.     Locally  cooling  astringent. 

Strong  ale,  stimulant,  diuretic,  narcotic:  Horse  1-2  pts;  ox  2-4  pts; 
ass  I  pt;  sheep  ^  pt;  dog  2  oz.     Locally  cooling  astringent. 

Barbadoes  aloes,  purgative  :  Horse  4  drs ;  ass  3-4  drs ;  dog  ^  dr. 

Cape  aloes,  purgative :  Horse  5  drs ;  ass  4-5  drs. 

Alum,  astringent:  Horse  2-3  drs;  ox  3-4  drs;  ass  2  drs;  sheep  j^-i  dr; 
dog  }i-i  scr. 

Ammonia,  liquid,  diffusible  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  antacid,  diuretic: 
Horse  ^  oz;  ox  ^-i  oz ;  ass  2-4  drs;  sheep  ^-l  dr;  dog  10  drops.  Lo' 
cally  blister. 

Aromatic  ammonia,  diffusible  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  antacid,  diuretic: 
Horse  1-2  oz  ;  ox  2-4  oz  ;  ass  1-2  oz  ;  sheep  ^-i  oz  ;  dog  i  dr.  Locally 
blister. 

Carbonate  of  ammonia,  diffusible  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  antacid,  di- 
uretic: Horse  2-4 drs;  ox  4-6  drs;  ass  2  drs;  sheep  ^-i  dr;  dog  10-15 
grs.     Locally  blister. 

Muriate  of  ammonia,  stimulant,  discutient,  alterative,  diuretic :  Horse 
2-4  drs;  ox  4-6  drs;  ass  2  drs  ;  sheep  J^-i  dr;  dog  20  grs.  Locally  coo\' 
ing  discutient. 

Acetate  of  ammonia,  solution,  diaphoretic,  diuretic,  stimulant :  Horse 
2-3  oz ;  ox  3-4  oz  ;  ass  2  oz ;  sheep  }^-i  oz ;  dog  2  drs. 

Anise-seed,  stomachic,  carminative:  Horse  i  oz  ;  ox  1-2  oz ;  ass  i  oz, 
sheep  2-4  drs  ;  dog  1-3  scr. 

Antimony,  tartarized  (tartar  emetic),  emetic :  Swine  5  grs :  dog 
2-4  grs.  Sedative,  diaphoretic  :  Horse  2  drs ;  ox  2-4  drs ;  ass  2  drs ;  sheep 
1-2  scr;  swine  ^-i  gr;  dog  X'K  g^-      Locally  blister. 

Areca  nut,  vermifuge,  taeniafuge :  Horse  i  oz ;  ox  I  oz ;  ass  I  oz ; 
sheep  3  drs  ;  dog  ^-i  dr. 

Arnica  tincture,  stimulant,  diuretic:  Horse  i  dr;  ox  I  dr;  ass  ^  dr; 
sheep  I  scr;  dog  10  drops.     Locally  cooling,  soothing. 

Arsenic,  alterative,  nerve  tonic:  Horse  5  grs ;  ox  5-8  grs ;  ass  3-5  grs ; 
sheep  I  gr ;  swine  ^  gr ;  dog  ^^  gr.     Locally  caustic,  parasiticide. 

Asafcetida,  diffusible  stimulant,  carminative,  vermifuge :  Horse  2  drs ; 
ox  4  drs;  ass  1-2  drs;  sheep  ^-l  dr;  swine  ^  dr;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Azedarach,  vermifuge:  Horse ^-l  oz;  ox  l  oz;  ass  3-4  drs;  sheep  l-a 
irs ;  swine  I  dr ;  dog  20  grs. 


Appendix.  493 


Belladonna,  anodyne,  antispasmodic,  narcotic :  Horse  2  oz ;  ox  2  o: ; 
ass  1-2  oz ;  sheep  }4  oz ;  dog  5  grs. 

Belladonna,  extract,  anodyne,  etc.:  Horse2drs;  ox2-3drs;  ass  1-2 
drs;  sheep  }4  dr;  dog  1-3  grs. 

Atropia  (alkaloid  of  Belladonna),  anodyne,  etc.:  Horse  1-2  grs;  ox  1-2 
grs  ;  ass  i  gr;  sheep  >^  gr;  dog  ^  gr. 

Balsam  of  Peru,  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  expectorant :  Horse  i  oz ; 
ox  1-1)4  oz ;  ass  ^-i  oz  ;  sheep  2  drs ;  dog  ^  dr. 

Benzoin,  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  expectorant:  Horse  i  oz;  ox  i-i}4 
oz;  ass  ^-i  oz;  sheep  2  drs;  dog  }4.  dr. 

Borax,  nerve  sedative,  uterine  stimulant:  Horse  2-6  drs;  ox  ^-i  oz; 
ass  2-4  drs ;  sheep  >^-i  dr ;  swine  }4  dr ;  dog  5-10  grs.  Locally  astringent, 
parasiticide. 

Bismuth,  subnitrate,  soothes  irritation  of  the  stomach  and  bowels : 
Horse  2  drs;  ox  2-4 drs;  ass  1-2  drs;  sheep  20  grs;  swine  10-20  grs;  dog 
5-10  grs.     Z^<ra//j' soothing,  heaUng. 

Blackberry  root,  astringent:  Horse  2-4  drs;  ox  %  oz\  ass  2  drs; 
sheep  2  scr ;  dog  %  scr. 

Blue-stone  (copper  sulphate). 

Boneset,  stimulant,  tonic,  diaphoretic:  Horse  |^-i  oz;  ox  I  oz ;  ass  ^ 
oz;  sheep  2-3  drs;  swine  2  drs;  dog  J^-i  dr. 

Bromide  of  potassium,  nerve  sedative:  Horse  2-4  drs;  ox  4  drs;  ass 
2-3  drs  ;  sheep  j^  dr;  dog  5-10  grs. 

BUCHU,  stimulant,  diuretic:    Horse  4  drs;    ox  y^-l  oz ;  ass  3  drs;  sheep 

1  dr ;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Buckthorn  syrup,  purgative:  dog  ^-i  oz. 

Calomel,  purgative:  Horse  i  dr;  ox  1-2  drs;  ass  i  dr;  swine  i  scr, 
dog  3  4  grs.  Alterative:  Horse  l  scr;  ox  I-3  scr;  ass  I  scr;  swine  3-4  grs; 
dog>^-i  gr. 

Camphor,  calmative,  antispasmodic:  Horse  1-2  drs;  0x2-4  drs;  ass  I 
dr;  sheep  i  scr;  dog  3-10  grs. 

Cantharides,  stimulant,  diuretic:  Horse  5  grs;  ox  5-10  grs;  ass  3-5 
grs;    sheep  1-2  grs;  dog  ^-^  gr.     Locally  blister. 

Capsicum,  Cayenne  pepper,  stimulant,  aromatic:  Horse 2-3  drs  ;  ox  2-4 
drs;  ass  1-2  drs;  sheep  I  scr;  swine  ^-i  scr;  dog  2-5  grs.  Locally  irri- 
tant. 

Caraway  seed,  stomachic:  Horse  i  oz;  ox  1-2  oz ;  ass  i  oz;  sheep  2-3 
drs  :  swine  2  drs ;  dog  I  scr. 

Cardamoms,  stomachic :  Horse  i  oz  ;  ox  1-2  oz ;  ass  i  oz ;  sheep  2-3  drs  ; 
swine  2  drs ;  dog  I  scr. 

Cascarilla,  stimulant,  bitter  tonic:  Horse  ^-i  oz;  ox  i  oz ;  ass  4-6 
drs  ;  sheep  i  dr;  dog  lo  grs. 

Carbolic  acid,  sedative,  anodyne,  astringent,  antiseptic,  disinfectant: 
Horse  |^-i  dr;  ox  i  dr;  ass  yi  tli'J  sheep  lo  drops;  dog  5  drops. 

Castor-oil,  purgative:    Horse  i  pt;    ox  \-\yi  pts ;    ass  i  pt;  sheep  3-4 

02  ;  dog  j^-i  oz. 

Catechu,  astringent:  Horse  2-5  drs;  ox  3-8  drs;  ass  2-3  drs  ;  sheep  i-^ 
drs;  dog  10-30  grs. 


494  Tlie  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 


Chamomile,  stimulant,  tonic:  Horse  i  oz;  ox  1-2  oz;  ass  i  oz;  sheep  2 
drs ;  dog  ^  dr. 

Cherry  bark,  wild,  expectorant :  Horse  yi  oz ;  sheep  2-3  scr ;  swine 
2  scr ;  dog  i  scr. 

Chloral-hydrate,  sedative,  antispasmodic :  Horse,  }^  oz ;  ass  %-}^ 
oz ;  sheep  I  dr ;  dog  20  grs.  Soporific :  Horse  I  oz ;  sheep  2-3  drs  ;  doj^ 
Mdr. 

Chloroform,  stimulant:  Horse  1-2  drs;  ass  i  dr;  sheep  i  scr;  dog  5-10 
drops.     Anaesthetic. 

Cinchona,  Peruvian  bark,  bitter  tonic,  antiseptic,  antiperiodic :  Horse 
1-3  oz;  ass  i  oz;  sheep  2-4  drs;  dog  i  dr. 

Cinnamon,  stomachic:  Horse  4-6  drs;  ox^-ioz;  ass  4-6  drs;  sheep 
1-2  drs;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Cod-liver  oil,  tonic:  Horse  4-6  oz;  ox  6-8  oz;  ass  4-6  oz;  sheep  1-2 
oz;  dog  ^  oz. 

CoLCHicuM,  diuretic,  sedative:  Horse  ^-i  dr;  ox  1-2  drs;  ass  }i  dr; 
sheep  }4  scr ;  dog  2-8  grs. 

CoLOCYNTH,  bitter  purgative :  dog  2-5  grs. 

CoLUMBO,  bitter  tonic:  Horse  4-6  drs;  ox  ^-l  oz;  ass  2-3  drs  ;  sheep 
y^-l  dr;  dog  10  grs. 

CoNiUM,  EXTRACT,  scdativc :  Horse  i  dr;  ox  1-2  drs;  ass_J^-i  dr;  sheep 
10-15  grs  ;  swine  10  grs;  dog  2-5  grs. 

CoPAiVA,  stimulant,  diuretic,  expectorant :  Horse  2-4  drs ;  ox  3-4  drs ; 
ass  2-3  drs;  sheep  yi-i  dr;  dog  lo  drops. 

Copper,  ammoniated,  tonic,  antispasmodic,  astringent :  Horse  1-2  drs ; 
ox  1-2  drs  ;  ass  i  dr  :  sheep  10-20  grs  ;  dog  1-5  grs  . 

Copper,  iodide,  tonic,  discutient :  Horse  1-2  drs. 

Copper,  sulphate,  tonic,  astringent:  Horse  yi-i  dr;  ox  1-2  drs;  ass 
j^  dr ;  sheep  10  grs ;  dog  2-4  grs. 

Croton  seeds,  purgative  :  Horse  10-12;  ox  15-20;  ass  8-10;  sheep  2-3; 
dog  1-2. 

Croton  oil,  purgative:  Horse  15-20  drops  ;  ox  20-30  drops  ;  ass  12-18 
drops  ;  sheep  5-8  drops ;  dog  3-4  drops. 

Cream  of  tartar,  diuretic :  Horse  i  oz ;  sheep  4-6  drs ;  dog  i  |dr. 
Laxative:  Horse  5  oz;  OX5-80Z;  ass5oz;  sheep  1-2  oz  ;  dog  ^  oz. 

Dandelion  extract,  taraxacum,  diuretic,  laxative,  bitter:  Horse 
I-i^  oz;  ox  2  oz;  ass  I  oz;  sheep  3  drs;  dog  i  dr. 

Digitalis,  sedative,  diuretic:  Horse  15-20  grs;  ox  ^-i  dr;  ass  15  grs; 
sheep  5-15  grs;  swine  2-10  grs;  dog  1-3  grs. 

Dover's  powder,  sedative,  diaphoretic :  Horse  3  drs ;  ox  3-4  drs ;  ass  2 
drs ;  sheep  2  scr ;  swine  i  scr ;  dog  2-4  grs. 

Ergot,  checks  bleeding,  parturient:  Horse  ^-i  oz;  ox  i  oz;  ass  ]4.  oz; 
sheep  1-2  drs;  dog  ^  dr. 

Ether,  diffusible  stimulant:  Horse  1-2  oz;  ox  2-3  oz;  ass  i  oz;  sheep 
}4  oz ;  swine  2-4  drs ;  dog  i  dr. 

Fennel  seed,  stomachic:  Horse  i  oz;  ox  1-2  oz;  ajss  I  oz;  sheep  2-4 
drs ;  dog  ^  dr. 


Appendix.  403 


FiLix  MAS.,  EXTRACT,  MALE  SHIEI-D-FERN,  vermifuge,  tseniacide :  Horse 
I  oz;  sheep  }4  dr>  ^'^g  10-20  drops. 

Galls,  oak,  astringent:  Horse  4-6  drs;  ox  1-2  oz;  ass  4  drs;  sheep 
}4'l  scr;  swine  1-2  scr;  dog  1-3  grs. 

Gallic  and  tannic  acid,  tannin,  astringent:  Horse  1-3  scr;  ass  1-2 
scr;  sheep  5  grs;  dog  1-3  grs. 

Gentian,  bitter  tonic  :  Horse  4  drs;  ox  ^-i  oz;  ass  4  drs;  sheep  1-2 
drs ;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Ginger,  stimulant,  stomachic:  Horse  l  oz ;  ox  2  oz;  ass  J^-l  oz;  sheep 
}4  oz ;  swine  2  drs  ;  dog  2  scr. 

Glauber  salts  (soda  sulphate). 

Henbane,  hygscyamus,  extract,  sedative,  antispasmodic:  Horse  2 drs; 
ox  2-4  drs;  ass  1-2  drs  ;  sheep  J4-1  dr  ;  swine  ^  dr  ;  dog  5  grs. 

Hemp,  Indian,  extract,  antispasmodic,  soporific,  narcotic:  Horse  ^-i 
dr;  ass  )4  dr ;  sheep  10-15  S^^'>  swine  5-10  grs;  dog  1-2  grs. 

Hydrocyanic  acid  (prussic). 

Iodine,  alterative,  discutient :  Horse  10-20  grs ;  ox  20-30  grs  ;  ass  10  grs  , 
sheep  5-10  grs;  swine  5  grs;  dog  1-2  grs. 

Iodide  of  potassium,  alterative,  diuretic:  Horse  ^-i  dr;  ox  1-2  drs; 
ass  }4  dr;  sheep  3  scr;  swine  1-2  scr;  dog  i  scr. 

Ipecacuanha,  emetic,  sedative  :  Swine  1-2  drs;  dog  15-20  grs.  Diapho- 
retic, expectorant :  Swine  ^  dr ;  dog  3-5  grs. 

Jalap,  purgative:  Swine  1-2  drs;  dog  ^-i  dr. 

Iron,  peroxide,  tonic:  Horse  2-4 drs;  ox  4  drs;  ass  2  drs;  sheep  idri 
dog  5-10  grs.     Antidote  to  arsenic. 

Iron,  sulphate,  tonic:  Horse  2-4  drs;  ass  2  drs;  sheep  i  dr;  swine  ^ 
dr ;  dog  2-5  grs. 

Iron,  carbonate,  tonic :  Horse  2-4  drs ;  ass  2  drs ;  sheep  i  dr ;  swine 
}4  dr ;  dog  2-5  grs. 

Iron,  iodide,  tonic,  discutient:  Horse  >^-2  drs;  ox  1-2  drs;  ass  )4-l 
dr;  sheep  15-30  grs;  swine  10-20  grs;  dog  1-8  grs. 

Iron,  tincture  of  muriate,  astringent,  checks  bleeding:  Horse  ^-l  oz; 
ox  1-2  oz;  ass  }4  oz;    sheep  >2-i  dr;  swine  10-30  drops  ;    dog  5-10  drops. 

Kino,  astringent;  Horse  >^  oz ;  ox  ^-l  oz;  ass  2-4  drs;  sheep  1-2  drs; 
swine  }4-i  dr;  dog  10  grs. 

Kousso,  vermifuge  :  Sheep  2-3  oz ;  dog  i  oz. 

Laudanum  (opium). 

Lead  acetate  (sugar  of  lead),  astringent,  sedative:  Horse  1-2  scr; 
ox  2-3  scr;  ass  i  scr;  sheep  10-15  g^s;  dog  2-5  grs. 

Lime-water,  antacid,  astringent :  Horse  4-5  oz ;  ox  4-8  oz ;  ass  4  oz ; 
sheep  I  oz;  dog  i  dr. 

Lime,  carbonate,  chalk,  antacid,  astringent :  Horse  1-2  oz ;  ox  2-4  oz ; 
ass  I  oz  ;  sheep  2-4  drs  ;  dog  8-12  grs. 

Lime,  chloride,  chlorinated,  checks  tympany,  disinfectant:  Horse 
2-4  drs;  ass  2  drs;  sheep  1-2  drs. 

Linseed  oil,  laxative:    Horse  1-2  pts;    ox  1-2  qts;    ass   i  pt;    sheep 


490        The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser, 

Lobelia,  sedative,  antispasmodic,  expectorant:  Horse  1-2  drs ;  0x1-3 
drs;  ass  I  dr;  sheep  15  grs;  swine  5-15  grs;  dog  I -5  grs. 

Magnesia,  antacid,  laxative,  antidote  to  arsenic:  Horse  1-2  oz;  0x2-4 
cz ;  sheep  I  oz. 

Magnesia,  sulphate,  Epsom  salts,  laxative     ox  1-2  lbs;  sheep  4-6  oz. 

Mallow,  demulcent:  Freely. 

Mentha  piperita  (peppermint). 

Mercury  with  chalk,  hydrargrum  cum  creta,  antacid,  laxative: 
Calf  10-15  grs;  dog  5-10  grs. 

Mercurial  pill,  blue  pill,  laxative :  Dog  5  grs. 

Mercury,  subchloride  (calomel). 

Muriatic  acid,  hydrochloric  acid,  tonic,  astringent,  caustic,  disin- 
fectant :  Horse  i  dr ;    ox  2  drs ;  ass  I  dr ;  sheep  20  drops ;  dog  2-5  drops. 

Myrrh,  stimulant,  tonic :  Horse  2-4  drs ;  ox  4-6  drs ;  ass  2  drs ;  sheep 
1-2  drs;  dog  15-20  grs. 

Nitre  (potassa  nitrate). 

Nitric  acid,  tonic,  astringent,  caustic:  Horse  i  dr;  0x2  drs;  ass  I  dr; 
sheep  20  drops  ;  dog  2-5  drops. 

Nux  vomica,  nerve  stimulant,  tonic:  Horse  10-30  grs;  ox  20-40  grs; 
ass  10-20  grs;  sheep  5-15  grs  ;  dog  ^-3  grs. 

Oak  bark,  astringent :  Horse  i  oz  ;  ox  2-4  oz ;  ass  i  oz  j  sheep  4  drs ; 
swine  2-3  drs;  dog  1-2  drs. 

Olive  oil,  laxative:  Horse  I-2  pts  ;  ox  2-3  pts;  ass  i  pt;  sheep 3-6  oz; 
dog  1-3  oz. 

Opium,  narcotic,  sedative,  anodyne,  antispasmodic:  Horse  ^-2  drs;  ox 
2-4  drs;  ass  ^-l  dr;  sheep  10-20  grs ;  dog  >^-3  grs. 

Opium,  tincture,  laudanum,  narcotic,  sedative,  anodyne,  antispasmodic: 
Horse   1-2  oz;  ox2oz;  ass^-ioz;  sheep  2-3  drs;  dog  15-30  drops. 

MORPHLA,  muriate,  narcotic,  sedative,  anodyne,  antispasmodic:  Horse 
3-5  grs;  ox  5-10  grs;  ass  3  grs;  sheep^-l  grj  dog  X'K  gr. 

Peppermint,  oil,  stomachic,  antispasmodic :  Horse  20  drops ;  ox  20-30 
drops  ;  ass  20  drops  ;  sheep  5-10  drops  ;  swine  5  drops;  dog  3-5  drops. 

Peruvian  bark  (cinchona). 

Pepper,  black,  white,  stomachic,  stimulant :  Horse  2  drs ;  ox  3  drs ; 
ass  2  drs;  sheep  I-2  scr;  dog  5-10  grs. 

Pimento,  stomachic,  stimulant  :  Horse  2  drs;  ox  3  drs;  ass  2 drs;  sheep 
1-2  scr;  dog  5-10  grs. 

Podophyllin,  purgative,  sedative  :  Horse  1-2  drs;  ox  2  drs  ;  ass  I  dr; 
fheep  10-20  grs  ;  swine  6-8  grs  ;  dog  1-2  grs. 

Pomegranate  root  bark,  vermifuge:  Horse  I  oz;  ox  i-2  oz;  ass  I  oz; 
sheep  2-3  drs;  swine  1-2  drs;  dog  20-30  grs. 

Potassa  acetate,  antacid,  diuretic,  diaphoretic :  Horse  6-8  drs  ;  ox  i  oz ; 
ass  4-6  drs;  sheep  1-2  drs;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Potassa  nitrate,  diuretic,  febrifuge:  Horse,  6-8  drs;  ex  i  oz;  ass  4-6 
drs;  sheep  1-2  drs;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Potassa  bicarbonate,  antacid,  diuretic :  Horse  6-8  drs ;  ox  i  oz ;  ass 
4-6  drs;  sheep  1-2  drs;  dog  10-20  grs. 

Potassa  chlorate,  stimulant,  diuretic,  refrigerant,  antiseptic:  Horse  1-4 
drs;  ass  I-2  drs;  sheep  20-40  grs  ;  dog  5- 15  grs. 


Appendix.  497 


Potassium  iodide  (iodine). 

Potassium  bromide,  nerve  sedative  :  Horse  ^  oz ;  ass  2-4  drs ;  sheep 
2  drs ;    swine  i  dr ;  dog  20  grs. 

Potassium  cyanide,  sedative,  antispasmodic:  Horse  1-2  grs;  ox  2  grs; 
ass  1-2  grs;  sheep  ^  gri  dog  ^-'A  gr 

Prunus  Virginiana  (wild  cherry). 

Prussic  acid,  sedative,  antispasmodic :  Horse  20-30  drops ;  ox  30-40 
drops;  ass  15-20  drops;  sheep  5-8  drops;    swine  5  drops;    dog  1-3  drops. 

Pumpkin  seeds,  vermifuge,  toeniafuge  :  Dog  ^  oz. 

Quinia,  sulphate,  bitter  tonic:  Horse  20  grs;  0x20-30  grs;  ass  15-20 
grs;  sheep  6-10  grs  ;  swine  5-10  grs;  dog  2-6  grs. 

Rhubarb,  laxative,  tonic :  Horse  i  oz ;  ox  2  oz  ;  ass  i  oz ;  sheep  i  dr ; 
dog  20  grs. 

Resin,  diuretic:  Horse  4-6  drs;  ox  j4-i  oz;  ass  4-6  drs;  sheep  2-4  drs; 
swine  2  drs ;  dog  20-30  grs. 

Soap,  diuretic,  antacid,  laxative:  Horse  1-2  oz;  ass  i  oz;  sheep  2-6  drs; 
swine  2-4  drs ;  dog  20-60  grs. 

Soda,  bicarbonate,  antacid,  diuretic:  Horse  4-6  drs;  ox  4-8  drs;  ass 
4  drs;  sheep  1-2  drs;  dog  5-30  grs. 

Soda,  sulphite,  bisulphite,  hyposulphite,  antiseptic,  disinfectant, 
alterative,  relieves  tympany :  Horse  i  oz ;  ox  2-3  oz ;  ass  i  oz ;  sheep  2-6 
drs  ;  swine  2-4  drs ;  dog  20-60  grs. 

Soda  sulphate  (GLAUBER  salts),  purgative :  Horse  i-i^  lbs;  ox  i-a 
lbs;  ass|^-ilb;  sheep  6  oz. 

Sodium,  chloride  (common  salt),  tonic,  vermifuge,  purgative :  Horse 
1-2  oz  ;  ox  2-4  oz ;  ass  i  oz ;  sheep  2-4  drs  ;  swine  1-3  drs  ;    dog  10-30  grs. 

Santonin,  wormseed,  semen  contra,  vermifuge:  Horse  }4-i  oz;  ass 
4  drs ;  sheep  2-4  drs  ;  swine  1-3  drs ;  dog  10-60  grs. 

Squill,  diuretic,  expectorant:  Horse  >^  dr;  ox  >^-i  dr;  ass  20-30  grs; 
sheep  10-15  g^'Sj  dog  1-5  grs. 

Silver,  nitrate  (lunar  caustic),  nerve  tonic:  Horse  5  grs;  ox  ^S 
grs;  ass  2-4  grs;  sheep  1-2  grs;  dog  yi-}4  gr. 

Spanish  flies  (cantharides). 

Spigelia,  vermifuge:  Horse  ^-i  oz;  ox  1-2  oz;  ass  }4-l  oz ;  sheep  2-4 
drs ;  swine  2-3  drs  ;  dog  i  dr. 

Strychnia,  nerve  tonic:  Horse  1-2  grs;  ox  1-3  grs;  ass  i  gr;  sheep 
}4-i  gr;  swine  y^  gr;  dog  ^^o-i'o  gr- 

Sulphur,  laxative  :  Horse  3-4  oz  ;  ox  5-6  oz ;  ass  3  oz  ;  sheep  2  oz  ;  swine 
l-i-2  oz  ;  dog  2-8  drs.  Expectorant,  diaphoretic,  alterative  :  Horse  I  05^; 
0XI-2  0Z;  assioz;  sheep 6 drs;  swine 4-6  drs;  dog  ^-i  dr.     Parasiticide. 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre,  spirit  of  nitrous  ether,  stimulant,  antispas- 
modic, diuretic,  diaphoretic:  Horse  I-2  oz;  ox  3-4  oz;  ass  i  oz;  sheep  3-6 
drs;  dog  ^-2  drs. 

Stramonium,  narcotic,  sedative:  Horse  20-30  grs  ;  ox>^-idr;  ass  15-30 
grs ;  sheep  5-10  grs  ;  swine  4-6  grs  ;  dog  2  grs. 

Sulphuric  acid,  tonic,  refrigerant,  caustic:  Horse  I  dr ;  0x2-4  drs; 
ass  I  dr;  sheep  ^  dr;  swine  20  drops;  dog  5-10  drops. 

Tobacco,  sedative,  antispasmodic,  vermifuge :  Horse  4  drs ;  ox  4-6  drs ; 
ass  4  drs;  sheep  i  dr:  swine  }4  dr;  dog  5-6  grs. 


498  The  Farmer's  Veterinary  Adviser. 

Tar,  expectorant,  antiseptic:    Horse  %-i  oz;    ox  ^-2  oz;    sheep  >^  oz. 

Turpentine  oil,  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  diuretic:  Horse  1-2  oz;  031 
I-I^  oz;  ass  }i  oz;  sheep  1-2  drs;  swine  i  dr;  dog  yi  dr.  Vermifuge. 
Horse  2  oz;  OX2-30Z;  ass  1-2  oz;  sheep 4 drs;  swine  2-3  drs ;  dogi-2dis. 

Valerian,  diffusible  stimulant,  antispasmodic,  vermifuge :  Horse  2  oz ; 
ox  2-4  oz ;  ass  2  oz;  sheep  ^  oz  ;  swine  2-3  drs;  dog  1-2  drs. 

Valerianate  of  iron,  nerve  tonic :  Dog  4-5  grs, 

Veratrum,  sedative:  Horse  l  scr;  ox  ^-i  dr;  ass  ^-l  scr;  sheep  5- 10 
grs  ;  swine  5-8  grs ;  dog  2  grs. 

Wild  cherry  bark,  expectorant :  Horse  i  oz ;  ox  ij4,  oz ;  ass  i  oz ; 
sheep  3  drs ;  dog  30  grs. 

Zinc  carbonate,  astringent,  tonic :  Horse  2  drs ;  ox  2-4  drs ;  ass  2  drs ; 
sheep  j4-i  dr;  swine  ^  dr;  dog  10-15  grs. 

Zinc,  sulphate,  astringent,  tonic:  Horse  I-2  drs;  ox  2-3  drs;  ass  I  dr; 
sheep  15-30  grs  ;  swine  10-20  grs;  dog  2-3  grs.  Emetic:  Swine  15  grs  to 
I  dr;  dog  8-15  grs. 

BLISTERING,  ETC. 

As  an  example  of  a  simple  blister  for  the  horse  the  fol- 
lowing may  be  given  : — 

Powdered  Cantharides         2  drs. 

Camphor  5  grs. 

Oil  of  Lavender  10  drops. 

Lard  1  oz. 

Mix  thoroughly.  When  applying  it,  first  cut  the  hair  from 
the  part,  then  rub  the  ointment  well  in  with  the  palm  of 
the  hand  and  against  the  direction  of  the  hair,  for  four  or 
five  minutes.  The  animal  should  be  tied  short  to  a  high 
rack  or  otherwise  prevented  from  reaching  the  blistered 
surface  with  his  lips  until  it  is  well  raised.  Then  the 
appHcation  may  be  washed  off  with  soap-suds  and  the 
part  smeared  daily  with  lard.  The  blister  should  not  be 
repeated  until  the  effects  of  the  first  have  passed  off. 
*  For  cattle,  J  oz.  oil  of  turpentine  or  10  grs.  tartar 
emetic  may  be  added  to  the  above  blister.  For  pigs  can- 
tharides and  turpentine  may  be  used  alone,  1  of  the  for- 
mer to  4  of  the  latter.  For  dogs  and  sheep  equal  parts  of 
strong  aqua  ammonia  and  olive-oil  may  be  used  and 
rubbed  in  as  often  as  may  seem  requisite. 


INDEX, 


Abductor    femoris   displaced, 

441 
Abortion,  315 
Abortion  from  ergot,  156 
Abscess,  11 

Abscess,  treatment  of,  301 
Abscess,  drainage  of,  31 
Abscess  in  bone,  388,  391 
Abscess  in  bone,  symptoms  of, 

389 
Abscess  in   the   false  nostril, 

169 
Abscess      in      the      guttural 

pouches,  169 
Abscess  of  the  walls   of  the 

chest,  185 
Acariasis,  369 
Acari,  parasitic,  369 
Achorion  Schonleini,  367 
Actinomycosis,  131 
Action  of  medicines,  488 
Acute  enteritis,  247 
Acute  farcy,  135 
Acute   gastric  indigestion  in 

horses,  240 
Acute  glanders,  134 
Acute     inflammation    of    the 

bowels,  247 
Acute  intestinal  indigestion  in 

horses,  241 
Acute  muco-enteritis,  249 
Adynamic  fever,  26 


After-birth,  retained,  322 

Ages,  doses  for  different,  489 

Air  in  the  chest,  184 

Air  in  veins,  213 

Albuminoids  in  the  blood,  im- 
perfect oxidation  of,  277 

Albuminous  urine,  298 

Albuminuria,  298 

Alkalies,  25 

Amaurosis,  338 

Ansemia,  162 

Anasarca,  159 

Anchylosis,  399 

Aneurisms,  211 

Animal  plagues,  radical  extinc- 
tion of,  72 

Animals,  doses  for  different, 
489 

Anthrax,  bacillar,  112 

Anthrax,  apoplectic,  118 

Anthrax,  emphysematous,  123 

Anthrax  fever,  in  birds,  120  ; 
cattle,  119  ;  horses,  119 ; 
sheep,  120  ;  swine,  120 

Anthrax  in  dogs  and  cats,  118 

Anthrax  in  man,  118 

Anthrax  of  the  throat,  117 

Anthrax,  prevention  of,  122, 
125 

Anthrax,  treatment  of,  120, 
124 

Anthrax,  vibiionic,  123 


500 


Index. 


Anus,  fistula  in,  260 
Anus,  imperforate,  261 
Aphthous  fever,  87 
Apoplectic  anthrax,  118 
Apoplexy,  315 
Apoplexy  of  the  lung,  186 
Appendix,  488 
Appetite,  depraved,  215 
Arm-bone,  fracture  of,  422 
Arterial  haemorrhage,  209 
Arteries,  dilatation  of,  211 
Arteries,  diseases  of,  209 
Artenes,  inflammation  of,  210 
Arteries,  wounds  of,  209 
Arteritis,  210 
Ai'thritis,  399 
Ascites,  262 

Ascites  in  parturition,  322 
Asiatic  cholera,  102 
Asthma,  186 

Atrophy  of  the  heart,  203 
Auscultation,  165,  200 
Azotremia,  277 
Azoturia,  277 

Back  and  loins,  fractures   of, 

413 
Back  and  loins,  sprains  of,  414 
Back  tendons,  sprains  of,  430 
Bacteria,  37 

Bacteria,  how  they  live,  38 
Bacteria   and  blood-globules, 

battle  of,  40 
Baths,  22 

Beef  tape-worm,  150 
Bellyache.  246 
Belly,  dropsy  of,  262 
Beri-beri,  141 
Big-head,  394, 131 


BiUary  calcuh,  287 

Bilious  fever  in  horses,  99 

Bird  acai'i,  372 

Bird  cholera,  130 

Bird-lice,  376 

Bird-pox,  87 

Birds,  impacted  crop  in,  232 

Birds,  pulse  in,  199 

Bistouri  cache,  331 

Bit  and  curb,  injuries  by,  409 

Black  pigment  tumors,  485 

Black-quarter,  116,  123 

Black-tongue,  116 

Black  water,  279 

Bladder,  eversion  of,  302 

Bladder,  inflammation  of,  300 

Bladder,  paralysis  of,  300 

Bladder,  spasm  of  its  neck, 
299 

Bladder,  stone  in,  30(> 

Bleeding,  general,  21 

Bleeding,  local,  21 

Bleeding  from  arteries,  209 

Bleeding  from  the  lungs,  189 

Bleeding  from  the  nose,  167 

Bleeding  from  the  womb,  322 

Bleeding  from  veins,  211 

Bleeding  in  the  bowels  from 
liver  disease,  275 

Blistering,  498 

Bloating,  232 

Blood  exudations,  8 

Bloodlessness,  162 

Blood-poisoning  from  imper- 
fect oxidation  of  albumi- 
noids, 277 

Blood  spa\in,  453,  454 

Blootly  flux,  253 

Bloody  milk,  328 


Index. 


501 


Bloody  murrain,  116,  123 

Bowels,  obstruction  ©f,  255 

Bloody  urine,  296 

Brain,  inflammation  of,  346 

Blow-flies,  374 

Breech  presentation,  321 

Blowing  murmurs  in  the  heart. 

Blight's  disease,  298 

201 

Bristle-balls,  245 

Blue  disease,  202 

Broken-down,  431 

Blue  milk,  328 

Broken  knees,  426 

Bog  spavin,  361 

Broken  ribs,  185,  415 

Boils,  365 

Broken  wind,  188 

Bone,  death  of,  388,  391 

Bronchitis,  177 

Bone,  induration  of,  388 

Bronchitis  from  worms,    193, 

Bone,  results  of  inflammation 

195,  196 

in,  388 

Bronchocele,  157 

Bones,    general    diseases    of. 

Broncho  -  pleuro  -  pneumonia, 

385,  387 

184 

Bones,  inflammation  of,  387 

Broncho-pneumonia,  184 

Bones,  softening  of,  388,  393 

Buckwheat  as  a  cause  of  skin 

Bone  spavin,  452 

disease,  361 

Bone,    suppuration    in,    388, 

Bulla?,  359 

391 

Bullers,  140 

Bone,  symptoms  of  abscess  in, 

Burns*,  383 

389 

Bursa),  inflamed,  402 

Bone,  symptoms  of  death  of. 

Burst,  256 

389 

Bone,  symptoms  of  inflamma- 

Calcifications   near    inflamed 

tion  in,  388 

bones,  388 

Bone,  symptoms  of  ulceration 

CalcuH  in  the  gaU-ducts,  287 

of,  389 

Calculi,  salivary,  227 

Bone,  thickening  of,  388 

Calculi,  urinary,  303 

Bone,  treatment   of  inflamed. 

CaUosities  of  tlie  skin,  366 

390 

Calves  and  foals,  lung  worms 

Bone,  tubercle  in,  392 

in,  193 

Bone,  tumor  of,  388 

Cancers,  306,  410,  486 

Bone,  ulceration  in,  388,  391 

Cancer  of  the  orbit,  410 

Bots,  263 

Cancer  of  the  tongue,  220 

Bots  in  the  throat,  171 

Cancroid  of  the  lips,  220 

Bowels,  foreign  bodies  in,  244 

Canine  distemper,  101 

Bowels,  impacted,  242 

Canine  madness,  106 

Bowels,  inflammation  of,  247 

Canker,  480 

502 


Index. 


Capped  hock,  448 

Choking,  229 

Carbolic  acid  as  a  disinfectant, 

Cholera,  Asiatic,  102 

81 

Cholera,  hog,  103 

Carbuncular  erysipelas,  117 

Chorea,  341 

Carditis,  207 

Choroiditis,  335 

Carious  teeth,  223 

Chronic  bronchitis,  178 

Carpitis,  424 

Chronic  farcy,  136 

Castration,  evil  effects  of,  313 

Chronic  glanders,  135 

Castration  of  males,  312  ;  fe- 

Chronic indigestion  in  horses. 

males,  314  ;  birds,  315 

243 

Cataract,  337 

Chronic  roaring,  175 

Catarrh,  malignant,  170 

Cirrhosis,  287 

Catarrh,  nasal,  167 

Classification    of     contagious 

Catarrh  of  stomach  and  bow- 

diseases, 34 

els,  243 

Clots   on   the   valves    of    the 

Catarrh  of  womb  or  vagina, 

heart,  206 

323 

Cleanliness  as  a  disinfectant, 

Cat-flea,  376 

78 

Cattle,  lung  plague  in,  91 

Cerebral  meningitis,  346 

Cattle,  malignant  catarrh  in. 

Cerebritis,  346 

170                               ♦ 

Cerebro-spinal  fever,  347, 

Cattle,  measles  in,  150 

Cerebro-spinal  meningitis,  347 

Cattle  plague,  89 

Coal-tar  as  a  disinfectant,  81 

Cattle,  tape-worm  in,  150 

Coenurus  cerebralis,  144 

Caustic  potassa  and  soda  as 

Coffin-bone,  distortion  of,  476 

disinfectants,  82 

Coffin-joint  lameness,  463 

Chafing  of  the  skin,  358 

Cold  drink,  indigestion  from, 

Charcoal  as  a  disinfectant,  79 

239 

Chest,  air  or  gas  in,  184 

Cold  in  the  head,  167 

Chest  diseases,  signs  of,  164 

Colic,  spasmodic,  246 

Chest,  water  in,  182,  184 

Colic,  tympanitic,  241 

Chest,  wounds  of,  416 

Collapse  of  the  lung,  185 

Chicken  cholera,  130 

Colloid  cancer,  486 

Chigoe,  375 

Coma  somnolentum,  344 

Chloride   of  lime  as  a  disin- 

Congestion of  the  lungs,  179 

fectant,  81 

Conjunctivitis,  333 

Chloride  of   zinc  as  a   disin- 

Consumption, 139 

fectant,  82 

Contagious   diseases,    classifi- 

Chlorine as  a  disinfectant,  180 

cation  of,  34 

Index. 


503 


Contagious     diseases,     losses 

Cysticercus      medio-canelata. 

from,  32 

150 

Contagious  diseases   prevent- 

Cystitis, 300 

able,  35 

C^'sts  under  the  tongue,  220 

Contagious  diseases,  propaga- 

tion of,  32,  44 

Defervescence,  17 

Contagious  diseases,  their  im- 

Deformities, 319 

portance,  32 

Demodex,  370 

Contagious  lung  plague,  91 

Dentinal  tumors,  225,  410 

Contraction,  478 

Dentition  fever,  225 

Convalescence,  25 

Depraved  appetite,  244 

Convulsions,  344 

Dermanyssus,  370 

Convulsions     from    ergotism. 

Dermatocoptis  equi,  370 

155 

Dermatophagus,  369 

Convulsions    from     teething, 

Dermatophagus  equi,  371 

226 

Desquamative  nephritis,  293 

Coraco-radial    tendon,   sprain 

Diabetes  insipidus,  295 

of,  420 

Diabetes  mellitus,  276 

Cornea,  ulcers  of,  334 

Diaphoretics,  24 

Corns,  472 

Diarrhoea,  252 

Coronet,  fistula  of,  479 

Diet,  20 

Coronet,  wounds  of,  478 

Dietetic  and  constitutional  dis- 

Cow-pox, 84 

eases,  155 

Cracked  heels,  362 

Difficult  parturition,  assistance 

Cranium,  fracture  of  the  base 

in,  319 

of,  410 

Diffuse  baldness,  368 

Cresylic  acid  as  a  disinfectant, 

Digestive  organs,  diseases  of, 

81 

216 

Crib-biting,  221 

Dilatation  of  the  heart,  204 

Crop,  impaction  of,  232 

Diphtheria,  174 

Croup,  174 

Disease  as  aff'ecting  the  action 

Croup,  fracture  of,  414 

of  medicines,  490 

Croupous  exudations,  8 

Diseased  teeth,  223 

Croupous  enteritis,  251 

Diseases  of  the  digestive  or- 

Curb, 455 

gans,  216 

Cutting,  434 

Diseases  of  the  foot,  457 

Cyanosis,  202 

Diseases  of  the  heart,  198 

Cystic  calculus,  306 

Disease  of  the  membmnes  of 

Cysticercus  cellulosa,  148 

the  teeth,  225 

504 


Index, 


Diseases  of  the  respiratoiy  or- 
gans, general  causes  of,  164 
Disinfection,  78 
Dislocation  of  the  fetlock,  434 
Dislocation  of  the  hip,  442 
Dislocation  of  the  knee,  425 
Dislocation    of  the  knee-cap, 

445 
Dislocation  of  the  lower  jaw, 

410 
DislC;'iation   of  the   shoulder, 

420  '         - 

Dislocation  of  the  tail,  4lS 
Displaced  teeth,  222 
Displacements   of   the   heart, 

202 
Distemper  in  dogs,  101 
Distemper  in  young  horses,  95 
Distomum  lanceolatum,  288 
Diuresis,  295 
Diuretics,  24 
Diuretics,  poisoning  by,  295, 

296 
Dog-pox,  87 
Doses,  489,  492 
Doses,  graduation  of,  489 
Double-headed  monster,  321 
Down  in  the  hip,  439 
Drainage  in  anthrax,  122 
Dropsy  of  the  abdomen,  262 
Dropsy  of  the  lung,  185 
Dropsy  of  the  scrotum,  311 
Dry  gangrene  from  ergot,  156 
Dry  murrain,  236 
Drugs  and  doses,  490,  492 
Dysentery,  253 

EcHiNococcus  hominis,  veteri- 
norum,  147 


Ecthyma,  360 
Eczema,  87,  359 
Eggs  of  tape- worms,  144 
Elbow,  diseases  of,  420 
Elbow,  fracture  of,  421 
Elbow-joint,  disease  of,  422 
Elbow,  tumors  of,  420 
Elbow,  wounds  of,  421 
Emasculation,  312,  315 
Embolism,  8,  210,  212 
Embryo  tape-worms,  144 
Encephalitis,  346 
Encephaloid,  485 
E!Jcephaloid  of  the  face,  410 
Endocarditis,  206 
EnlargeiV^t  of  the  heart,  203 
Enteritis,  ^^-?7 
Enteritis,  croifjc  us,  251 
Enzootic  hsematulia,  279 
Enzootic  myelitis,  34^  . 
Epilepsy,  339 
Epithelial  cancer,  366 
Epithelioma,  485 
Epizootic  aphtha,  87 
Epizootic  cerebro-spinal  men- 
ingitis, 347 
Epizootic   diseases,  their   im- 
portance, 32 
Epizootic  influenza,  96 
Ergotism,  155 
Erysipelas,  378 
Erysipelas,  carbuncular,  117 
Eustrongylus  gigas,  151 
Eversion  of  the  bladder,  302 
Eversion  of  the  rectum,  259 
Eversion  of  womb  or  vagina, 

325 
Examination,  of  the  urine,  294 
Exostosis,  388 


Index. 


505 


Extinction  of  animal  plagues, 

75 
Eje,  diseases  of,  332 
Eye,  foreign  bodies  in,  333 
Eye,  inflammation   of  the  in- 
terior of,  335 
Eyelashes  turned  in,  332 
Eyelids  torn,  332 
Eye,    recurring   inflammation 

of,  336 
Eye-socket,  cancer  of,  410 
Eye,  superficial  inflammation 

of,  333 
Eye,  tumors  on,  334 
Eye,  ulcers  of,  334 
Eye,  white  specks  on,  334 

Facial  paralysis,  351 

Falling  sickness,  339 

False  quarter,  471 

Farcy,  134 

Fasciola  hepatica,  288 

Fatty  degeneration,  14 

Fatty  heart,  207 

Favus,  367 

Fecundity  of  tape-worms,  144 

Fetlock,  blows  on  the  inside 

of,  434 
Fetlock,  disease  of,  434 
Fetlock,  dislocation  of,  434 
Fetlock,  puffs  in  front  of,  433 
Fetlock,  swelling  in  front  of, 

433 
Fever,  15 
Fever,  premonitory  symptoms, 

16 
Fever,  cold  stage,  16 
Fever,  hot  stage,  17 
Fever  temperature,  18 


Fever,  types  of,  19 

Fever,  treatment  of,  19 

Fever,  cerebro-spinal,  347 

Fibrinous  exudations,  7 

Fibula,  fracture  of,  446 

Firing,  29 

Fistula,  383 

Fistula  in  ano,  260 

Fistula  of  the  coronet,  479 

Fistula  of  the  poll,  411 

Fistula,  salivai-y,  227 

Fistulous  withers,  412 

Fits,  344 

Fleas,  375 

Fleas,  attacks  of,  376 

Flooding,  322 

Flukes  in  the  Hver,  288 

Foot  and  mouth  disease,  87 

Foot,   causes   of   diseases   of, 

457 
Foot,  diseases  of  the,  457 
Foot,  inflammation  of,  468 
Foot-rot,  481 

Foot-rot,  contagious,  369,  482 
Foot-rot,  tuberculous,  483 
Foot,  sesamoiditis  of,  463 
Foot,  fractures  in  the,  467 
Forearm,  fracture  of,  422 
Foreign  bodies  in  stomach  and 

bowels,  244 
Foul  in  the  foot,  392,  481,  483 
Founder,  468 
Fractures,  395 
Fracture  at  the  base  of    the 

cranium,  410 
Fractures,  bandages  for,  396 
Fractured  ribs,  185,  415 
Fracture  inside  the  hock,  451 
Fracture  of  the  arm-bone,  422 


506 


Index. 


Fractures   of    the    back   and 

loins,  413 
Fracture  of  the  group,  414 
Fracture  of  the  face-bones,  409 
Fractures  in  the  foot,  467 
Fracture  of  the  forearm,  422 
Fractui'es  of  the  hip,  439 
Fracture  of  the  knee-cap,  444 
Fracture  of  the  leg,  446 
Fracture  of  the  lower  jaw,  408 
Fractures  of  the  neck-bones, 

412 
Fractui-e  of  the  neck  of  the 

thigh-bone,  443 
Fracture  of  the  nose,  409 
Fractures  of  the  pastern  bones, 

435 
Fractm-e  of  the  point  of  the 

elbow,  421 
Fracture  of  the  point  of  the 

hock,  451 
Fracture  of  the  poll,  409 
Fracture  of  the  shank,  429 
Fracture  of  the  shoulder-blade, 

420 
Fracture  of  the  splint  bones, 

429 
Fracture  of  the  upper  jaw,  409 
Fragility  of  bones,  393 
Frog,  canker  of,  480 
Frog,  discharge  from,  480 
Frog,  inflammation  of,  480 
Frontal  bones,  fracture  of,  409 
Fungi  in  milk,  328 
Furuncle,  365 

Gadfly,  374 

Gadflies  of  horses,  263 

Gall-ducts,  stones  in,  287 


GaU-stones,  287 

Gamasus  of  fodder,  370 

Gangrene  from  ergot,  156 

Gapes,  196 

Gape-worm,  197 

Gangrene,  14,  156 

Gangrene,  dry,  15,  156 

Garget,  329 

Gas  in  the  pleurae,  184 

Gastric  fever  in  horses,  99 

Gastric  parasites,  263 

Gastritis  in  oxen,  238 

Generation,  diseases  of  the  or- 
gans of,  310 

Germs  the  cause  of  plagues, 
35 

Germs,  where  propagated,  36 

Germs,  characters  of,  37 

Germs,  products  of,  40 

Germs,  how  they  poison,  40, 
52 

Germs  of  specific  diseases,  45 

Germicides,  78 

Gid,  144 

Glander  heaves,  178 

Glanders,  134 

Glass  eyes,  338 

Gleet,  301 

Gloss-anthrax,  116 

Gluteus,  sprain  of,  440 

Goat-pox,  86 

Goitre,  157 

Gonorrhoea,  30 

Granulation,  12 

Granule  corpuscles,  13 

Grapes,  363 

Gravel,  303 

Grease,  361 

Grease,  parasitic,  369 


Index. 


507 


Grub  in  the  head,  168,  190 
Gullet,  dilatation  of,  232 
Gullet,  stricture  of,  232 
Gums,  inflamed,  219 
Gut-tie,  255 
Guttural  pouches,  abscess  of, 

1G9 
Guttural  tumors  in  swine,  117 

H^MATOPINUS,  376 

Hsematuria,  296 
Hsematuria,  enzootic,  277,  279 
Haemoptysis,  189 
Haemorrhage     from    arteries, 

209 
Hsemorrhagic  enteritis,  247 
Hair-balls,  245 
Hamstring,  rupture  of,  448 
Hamstring,  sprain  of,  448 
Hard  cancer,  485 
Healing  by  first  intention,  12 
Healing  by  second  intention, 

12 
Heart,  atrophy  of,  203 
Heart,  auscultation  of,  200 
Heart,  blowing  murmurs  in, 

201 
Heart,  clots  on  its  valves,  206 
Heart,  dilatation  of,  204 
Heart,  diseases  of,  198 
Heart,  disease  of  its  valves,  207 
Heart,  enlargement  of,  203 
Heart,  fatty  degeneration  of, 

207 
Heart,  hypertrophy  of,  203 
Heart,  parasites  in,  208 
Heart,  rupture  of,  207 
Heart-sack,   inflammation    of, 

204 


Heart,  wounds  of,  204 

Heat  apoplexy,  354 

Heat  as  a  disinfectant,  79 

Heaves,  188 

Heels,  bruises  of,  472 

Heela,  diseases  of,  361 

Heels,  distorted,  476 

Helophilus,  206 

Hemiplegia,  351 

Hen-louse,  370 

Hepatirrhoea,  283 

Hepatitis,  284 

Hereditary  epilepsy,  340 

Hereditai-y  heaves,  188 

Hereditary  ophthalmia,  336 

Hernia,  256 

Herpes,  359 

High  breeding  and  heart  dis- 
ease, 207 

Hip,  dislocated,  442 

Hip,  fractures  of,  439 

Hip-joint,  disease  of,  442 

Hippobosca  ovina,  375 

Hip,  sprain  of  the,  440 

Hock,  dropsy  of,  454 

Hock,  elastic  swelling  in  front 
of  the  outer  side  of,  450 

Hock-joint,  inflammation  of, 
453 

Hock,  fractures  of,  442,  452 

Hock,  fractures  of  point  of, 
451 

Hock,  sprain  behind  the,  455 

Hock,  sprain  of  the  flexor  be- 
hind the,  450 

Hock,  sprain  of  the  flexor  of, 
447 

Hock,  tendon  displaced  from 
the  point  of,  459 


508 


Index. 


Hock,  thorough-pin  of,  450 

Indigestion    in    horses,    240, 

Hog  cholera,  103 

241,  243 

Honey-dew  as  a  cause  of  skin 

Indigestion,  intestinal,  241 

disease,  361 

Inflammation,  1 

Hoof-bound,  478 

Inflammation,  treatment  of,  19 

Hoofs,  contracted,  478 

Inflammation  in  vascular  tis- 

Hoofs, loss  of,  from  eating  er- 

sues, 2 

got,  156 

Inflammation,  phenomena  of, 

Hoof,  natural  state  of,  460 

2 

Hoof-wall,  cracks  in,  470 

Inflammation,  blood  in,  3 

Hoof-wall,  powdery  degenera- 

Inflammation, blood-vessels  in, 

tion  of,  480 

2 

Hoose,  193 

Inflammation,  types  of,  4 

Hoove,  232 

Inflammation  in  non-vascular 

Horn,  natural  state  of,  460 

tissues,  4 

Horny  tumor  in  the  heel,  472 

Inflammation,  cell-production 

Horny  tumor  of  the  laminae, 

in,  5 

471 

Inflammation,  cell-migrations 

Horse-pox,  83 

in,  5 

Husk,  193 

Inflammation,  exudations  in,  6 

Hydrocele,  311 

Inflammation    of    the    lungs, 

Hydrocephalus  in  parturition. 

180 

321 

Inflammatory  new  formations. 

Hydrorachitis,  349 

9 

Hydrophobia,  106 

Influenza,  96 

Hydrothorax,  184,  182 

Injuries  to  the  loins,  296,  419 

Hypertrophy  of  the  heart,  203 

Intercostal  abscess,  185 

Internal  ophthalmia,  335 

Icterus,  281 

Intestinal  catarrh  from  liver 

Impacted  crop,  232 

disease,  275 

Impacted  large  intestines,  242 

Intestinal  fever  of  swine,  103 

Impacted  third  stomach,  236 

Intestinal  worms,  266 

Imperforate  anus,  261 

Intestinal    worms,    symptoms 

Impervious  teat,  330 

of,  271 

Impetigo,  360 

Invagination,  255 

Indigestion  from  cold  water. 

Iritis,  335 

239 

Irregular  strangles,  95 

Indigestion   in    calves,    foals, 

Itch,  369 

etc.,  239 

Ixodes,  374 

Index. 


509 


Jaundice,  281 

Lathyrus    sativa    as    causing 

Jaws,  open  joint  between,  410 

palsy,  177 

Joints,  diseases  of,  398 

Laxatives,  24 

Joints,  eburnation  in,  399 

Lead  poisoning,  353 

Joints,    general    diseases    of. 

Leptus  Americana,  371 

885 

Lethargy  from  ergotism,  155 

Joints,  inflammation  of,  399 

Leucorrhoea,  323 

Joints,  matter  in,  400 

Leukoemia,  292 

Joints,  tuberculous  disease  of, 

Lice,  376 

400 

Lime  as  a  disinfectant,  82 

Joints,  ulceration  in,  399 

Lips,  cancroid  of,  220 

Lips,  warts  on,  220 

Keraphtllocele,  471 

Liver,  atrophy  of,  287 

Kidneys,  inflammation  of,  297 

Liver,  cancer  of,  287 

Kidney- worm,  151 

Liver,    chi'onic    inflammation 

Knee,  bruise  on  inner  side  of, 

of,  286 

425 

Liver,  congestion  of,  283 

Knee-cap,  fracture  of,  444 

Liver  disease,   general  symp- 

Knee-cap, dislocation  of,  445 

toms  of,  274 

Knee,  dislocation  of,  425 

Liver,   fatty  degeneration  of, 

Knee,  inflammation  of,  424 

287 

Knee,  puffs  in  front  of,  423 

Liver,  fibrous  degeneration  of, 

Knee,  sprains  behind,  423 

287 

Knee,  synovial   swellings  be- 

Liver, hypertrophy  of,  287 

hind,  423  ;  in  front  of,  423 

Liver,  inflammation  of,  284 

Knee,  wounds  of,  423 

Liver,  parasites  of,  288 

Liver-rot,  288 

Labor,  premature,  318 

Liver,  softening  of,  287 

Lameness,  385 

Liver,  tubercle  of,  287 

Laminae,  horny  tumor  of,  471 

Lock-jaw,  342 

Laminitis,  468 

Loins,  injuries,  to  296 

Laminitis,  chronic,  470 

Loins,  laceration  of  the  mus- 

Lam pas,  218 

cles  beneath  the,  414 

Lard-worm  of  swine,  151 

Losses  from   contagious   dis- 

Large intestines,  impaction  of, 

eases,  32 

242 

Loss  of  veins,  212 

Laryngitis,  171 

Lower  jaw,  dislocation  of,  410 

Lateral     cartilages,     ossified. 

Lower  jaw,  fracture  of,  408 

466 

Lump  jaw,  131 

510 


Index. 


Lung,  apoplexy  of,  186 

Mammitis,  329 

Lung,  collapse  of,  416 

Man,  anthrax  in,  118,  113 

Lungs,  bleeding  from,  189 

Man,  aphthous  fever  in,  88 

Lungs,    congestion    of,    179, 

Mange,  369 

202 

Man,  glanders  in,  134 

Lung  fever  of  cattle,  91 

Man,  hydrophobia  in,  106 

Lungs,  inflammation  of,  180 

Manifolds,  impacted,  236 

Lung-worms,  191 

Matter  in  the  guttural  pouch- 

Lymph, 7 

es,  169 

LymiDh  developing,  13 

Matter   in  the   nasal  sinuses. 

Lymph  degenerating,  13 

168 

Lymphadenoma,  292 

Maxims,  obstetric,  319 

Lymphangitis,  213 

Measles    (parasitic)  in   cattle, 

Lymphangitis,  local,  215 

150  ;  in  swine,  148 

Lymphatics,  diseases  of,  213 

Medicines,  action  of,  488  ;  as 

Lymphatics,  inflammation  of, 

affected  by  age,  489 ;  as  af- 

213 

fected  by  disease,  490  ;  as 

affected     by     idiosyncrasy. 

Maceococcus,  38 

490  ;  as  affected   by  genus, 

Madness  in  dogs,  106 

490,  492 

Maggots,  374 

Medicines,  doses  of,  492 

Malignant  anthrax,  112 

Medicines,      explanation      of 

Malignant  anthrax,  local  treat- 

names of,  488 

ment  of,  121 

Medicines,  form  to  administer. 

Malignant  anthrax,  prevention 

490 

of,  122 

Medicines,    frequency   of  ad- 

Malignant anthrax,  treatment 

ministration  of,  490 

of,  121 

Megrims,  341 

Malignant  anthrax  with  exter- 

Melanosis, 366,  13 

nal  swellings,  115 

Mellitui'ia,  276 

Malignant  catarrh,  170 

Melophagus  ovina,  375 

Malignant  cholera,  102 

Membrane    lining  the   chest, 

Malignant  pustule,  118 

inflammation  of,  182 

Malignant  sore-throat,  117 

Membrane  of  the  abdomen,  in- 

Mallenders, 364 

flammation  of,  261 

Malleolus,  fracture  of,  451 

Mercui'ial    sore    mouth,   217, 

Mal-presentation,  319 

219 

Mammae,  diseases  of,  328 

Mesenteric   glands,  pentasto- 

Mamma,  tumors  of,  331 

ma  (linguatula)  in,  191 

Index. 


Ill 


Metacarpus,  periostitis  of,  428 
Metritis,  325 
Microbes,  38 
Micrococcus,  38 
Microphytes  causing   disease, 

38,  45 
Microsporion  Adouinii,  3G8 
Miliary  tuberculosis,  47 
Milk,  bloody,  328 
Milk,  blue,  328 
Milk,  concretions  from,  330 
Milk  fever,  32G 
Milking  tube,  330 
Milk  sickness,  133 
Milk,  viscid,  328 
Milt,  diseases  of,  291 
Moon-blindness,  336 
Moor-ill,  279 
Morbid  growths,  484 
Mouth,  inflammation  of,  217 
Mouth,  tumors  in,  220 
Muco-enteritis,  249 
Mucous  exudations,  7 
Muguet,  219 

Muscles,  diseases  of,  404 
Muscles,   general  diseases  of, 

385 
Muscles,  inflamed,  404 
Muscles,  ruptures  of,  404 
Muzzle  for  crib-biting,  222 
Myelitis,  347 
Myelitis,  enzootic,  349 
Myositis,  404 

Nails,  pricks  and  binding  with, 

474 
Nasal  catan-h,  167 
Nasal  sinuses,  matter  in,  168 
Navicular  disease,  463 


Neck-bones,  fractures  of,  412 
Neck  of  the  bladder,  spasm  of, 

299 
Necrosis,  388,  391 
Necrosis,  symptoms  of,  389 
Nephritis,  297 

Nephritis,  desquamative,  298 
Nervous      diseases,      general 

causes  of,  339 
Nervous  disorder  from  ergot- 
ism, 155 
Nervous  disorders  from  liver 

disease,  275  • 
Nervous  irritation  of  the  skin, 

365 
Nervous    system,  diseases  of, 

339 
Neurosis  of  the  skin,  365 
Nodular  swelling  of  the  skin, 

364 
Nou-j)resentation  of  head  or 

members,  320,  321 
Nose,  bleeding  from,  167 
Nose,  fracture  of,  409 
Nose,  parasites  in,  190 
Nose,  pentastoma  in,  191 
Nose,  tumors  in,  170 
Nostril,  abscess  of,  169 

Oat-hair  calculi,  245 
Obstiniction  of  the  bowels,  255 
(Estrus  bovis,  374 
(Estrus  equi,  263 
OEstrus  ovis,  190 
Oidium  batracosis,  369 
Open  coffin-joint,  475 
Open  joint,  400,  401 
Open  joint,  between  upper  and 
lower  jaw,  410 


512 


Index. 


Ophthalmia,  enzootic,  334 

Parasites  in  arteries,  210,  211 

Ophthalmia,  internal,  335 

Parasites  in  the  heart,  208 

Ophthalmia,  recuiTing,  336 

Parasites  in  the  lower  air-pas- 

Oj)hthalmia, simple,  333 

sages,  191 

Optic  nerve,  palsy  of,  338 

Parasites  in  the  stomach,  263 

Orchitis,  310 

Parasitic  acari,  369 

Ostitis,  symptoms  of,  388 

Parasitic  grease,  369 

Ostitis,  treatment  of,  390 

Parotid,  inflammation  of,  228 

Overgrown  teeth,  222 

Parotitis,  228 

Overloaded  paunch,  234 

Parrot-mouth,  221 

Ox-tick,  373 

Parturient  apoplexy,  326 

Ozone  as  a  disinfectant,  79 

Parturition,  assistance  in,  319 

Parturition,  difficult,  317 ;  dis- 

Palate, congested,  218 

orders  foUomng,  322 

Palpation,  200 

Parturition  fever,  326 

Palpitation,  201 

Parturition,  premature,  315 

Palsy,  350 

Pastern,  bony  growth  on  the, 

Palsy,  local,  351 

436 

Palsy  of  the  lateral  half  of  the 

Pastern,  fractures  of  the,  435 

body,  351 

Pastern,   sprains  behind  the, 

Palsy  of  the  ear,  351 

438 

Palsy  of  the  face,  351 

Patella,  dislocation  of,  445 

Palsy  of  the  hind  limbs,  351 

Paunch,  overloaded,  234 

Palsy  of  the  nerve  of  sight. 

Paunch,  tympany  of,  232 

338 

Pedal    bone,    distortions    of. 

Pampering   a   cause   of  liver 

476 

disease,  275 

Pedal  sesamoiditis,  475 

Pancreas,  diseases  of,  291 

Pelvis,  fractures  of,  439 

Paralysis  from  ergotism,  155 

Penis,  amputation  of,  312 

Paralysis  from  lathyrus   sati- 

Penis,  disease  of,  311 

vus,  176 

Penis,  ulcers  on,  312 

Paralysis,  general,  350 

Pentastomatsenioides,  168, 191 

Paralysis  of  the  bladder,  300 

Percussion,  165 

Papules,  358 

Perforans,  sprain  of,  450 

Paraphymosis,  314 

Pericarditis,  204 

Paraplegia,  351,  413 

Periodic  ophthalmia,  336 

Parasites,  143 

Periosteotomy,  428 

Parasites  in  the  nose,  190 

Periostitis,  symptoms  of,  389 

Parasites  on  the  skin,  366 

Periostitis,  treatment  of,  398 

Index. 


513 


Peritonitis,  261 

Pharyngeal  anthrax,  117 

Pharyngitis,  161 

Phlebitis,  212 

Phlebitis,  diffuse,  212 

Phosphatic  calculi,  245 

Phrenitis,  346 

Phymosis,  314 

Physical  signs  of  chest  dis- 
eases, 165 

Pigmentation,  13 

Pigs,  lung-worm  in,  196 

Piles,  259 

Piles  from  liver  disease,  275 

Pimples,  358 

Pin-worms  in  arteries,  211 

Pining,  139 

Pityriasis,  364 

Pityriasis,  parasitic,  368 

Plague,  Russian  cattle,  89 

Plagues  of  Egypt,  33 

Plagues,  propagation  of,  33 

Plagues,  to  protect  the  system 
from,  46 

Plagues,  immunity  from,  by 
hygiene,  56  ;  by  tonics,  etc., 

57  ;  by  a  first  attack,  57 ; 
by  passing  through  an  al- 
lied disease,  58  ;  immunity 
by  a  minimum  inoculation, 

58  ;  by  local  caustics,  58  ;  by 
inoculating  unimportant  or- 
gans, 59  ;  in  veins,  69  ;  in 
modified  virus,  60  ;  in  ster- 
ilized products,  64;  radical 
extinction  of,  72 

Pleurae,  gas  in,  184 

Pleura%  inflammation  of,  182 

Pleuiisy,  182 


Pleurodynia,  186 
Pleuro-pneumonia,  184 
Pleuro-pneumonia  contagiosa, 

91 
Plugging  the  nose,  168 
Plugging  of  arteries,  210,  212 
Pneumonia,  180 
Pneumothorax,  184 
Podo-trochilitis,  463 
Poisoning  by  lead,  353 
Poll-evil,  411 
Poll,  fracture  of,  409 
Polypus  in  the  vagina,  319 
Polyuria,  295 
Porcelaneous  deposit,  499 
Pork  tape-worm,  149 
Premature  labor  pains,  318 
Presentations,  abnormal,  319 
Prevalence  of  contagious  dis- 
eases, 33 
Pricks,  474 
Profuse  staling,  295 
Prolapsus  uteri  vaginre,  324 
Propagation  of  animal  plagues, 

33 
Protection   against   a  plague, 

how  effected,  46 
Protective  inoculations,  57 
Proud  flesh,  28,382 
Prurigo,  365 
Puffs   in   front   of   the   knee, 

423 
Pulmonary  congestion,  179 
Pulmonary  inflammation,  181 
Pulse  in  disease,  199 
Pulse,  its  characters,  198 
Pumice  feet,  470 
Purgatives,  administration  of, 
490 


514 


Index, 


Purpura,  186 

Rickets,  393 

Purpura,    hsemorrhagica,    18, 

Rinderpest,  89 

67 

Ring-bones,  436 

Purulent  infection,  125 

Ringworm,  366 

Pus,  11  ;  in  globules,  11 

Ringworm,  honey-comb,  367 

Pustules,  360 

Ripe  grain,  effects  of,  236 

Pustules  in  the  heels,  362 

Roaring,  175 

Pyaemia,  125 

Rot,  288 

Roup,  174 

Quadrupeds,  pulse  in,  198 

Rupture,  256 

Quarter-crack,  470 

Rupture  of  the  heart,  207 

Quebra  bunda,  142 

Russian  Cattle  Plague,  89 

Quittor,  472,  479 

Saccharine  urine,  276 

R.\BiEs,  106  ;  dumb,  108  ;  fu- 

Saccular gullet,  232 

rious,  108  ;    lethargic,  109  ; 

Sacrum,  fracture  of,  414 

paralytic,  109 

St.  Guy's  dance,  331 

Rabies,    fallacies    concerning. 

St.  Vitus'  dance,  331 

108 

Salivary  calculi,  227 

Rat-tailed  maggots,  266 

Salivary  fistula,  227 

Rectum,  eversion  of,  259 

Salivation,  226 

Rectum,  inflammation  of,  252 

Sallenders,  364 

Recurring  ophthalmia,  336 

Sand-crack,  470 

Red-water,  278 

Sand-like  deposit  in  the  blad- 

Refrigerants, 25 

der,  308 

Regimen,  20 

Sarcoptes,  369 

Remedies    for    inflammation. 

Sarcoptes  equi,  370 

21 

Scab,  369 

Renal  calculus,  305 

Scabies,  369 

Resolution,  8 

Scald-head,  367 

Resolvents,  25 

Scalds,  383 

Respiratory   organs,    diseases 

Scaly  skin  affections,  364 

of,  164 

Scarlatina,  161 

Retained  after-birth,  322 

Scirrhus,  485 

Retinitis,  335 

Scouring,  252 

Rheumatism,  157,  186 

Scratches,  362,  364 

Rheumatism  of  the  heart,  204, 

Scrofulous  disease  of   bones, 

206 

392 

Ribs,  fi-actures  of,  185,  415 

Scrotum,  dropsy  of,  311 

Index. 


515 


Seedy  toe,  480 
Sensation,  loss  of,  350 
Septicaemia,  127 
Septic  infection,  127 
Serous  Exudations,  6 
Sesamoiditis,  432 
Sesamoiditis  of  the  foot,  463 
Sesamoiditis,  pedal,  475 
Sesamoid   ligaments,    sprains 

of,  433 
Shank-bone,  fracture  of,  429 
Shank-bone,  inflammation  of, 

428 
Sheath,  swollen,  313 
Sheath,  tumors  of,  311 
Sheep  and  goats,  lung-worms 

in,  195 
Sheep,  carbuncular  erysipelas 

in,  117 
Sheep-pox,  84 
Sheep,  tape-worm  in,  150 
Sheep-tick,  375 
Shoeing,  efifects  of,  457 
Shoeing,  maxims  for,  461 
Shot  of  grease,  213 
Shoulder,  abscess  in,  416,  420 
Shoulder-joint,    disease    of, 

419 
Shoulder  lameness,  416 
Shoulder  slip,  418 
Shoulder  sprain,  417 
Shoulder,  tumors  on,  416 
Siberian  boil  plague,  112 
Side  bones,  466,  472 
Simple  ophthalmia,  333 
Sinuses  of  the  head,  matter 

in,  168 
Sitfasts,  366 
Skin,  congestion  of,  358 


Skin  disease  from  buckwheat, 

361 
Skin  disease  from  honey-dew, 

361 
Skin  diseases,  divisions  of,  356 
Skin  diseases,  general  causes 

and  treatment,  357 
Skin,  inflammation  of,  358 
Skin,    nei-vous    irritation   of, 

365 
Skin,  nodular  swellings  of,  364 
Skin,  parasitic  diseases  of,  36G 
Skin,  scaly  affection  of,  364 
Slavering,  226 
Sleepy  staggers,  344 
SHngs,  398 
Slobbers,  226 
Softening,  14 
Sole,  bruises  of,  473 
Sole,  wounds  of,  475 
Soles,  convex,  470 
Sore  mouth,  217 
Sore  shins,  428 
Sore  teats,  331 
Sore-throat,  171 
Sore-throat,  malignant,  117 
Sj^asmodic  colic,  246 
Spasm  of  the  neck  of  the  blad- 
der, 299 
Sj^avin,  blood,  453,  454 
Spavin,  bog,  453 
SjDavin,  bone,  452 
Spavin,  occult,  452 
Spaying,  315 
Speedy-cut,  333 
Spermatic  cord,  strangulated, 

313 
Spermatic   cord,    tumors    on, 

314 


516 


Lidex. 


Spinal  cord,  iuflamraation  of, 

Stephanurus  dentatus,  151 

317 

Stiff-joint,  399 

Spinal  meningitis,  277,  347 

Stifle,  disease  of,  446 

Spleen,  diseases  of,  291 

Stifle,  fracture  into  the,  444 

Spleen,    enlarged   from   liver 

Stocking,  362 

disease,  275 

Stomach,    foreign   bodies  in, 

Splenic  apoplexy,  119 

244 

Splenic  fever,  104,  119 

Stomach  and  bowels,  catarrh 

Splint-bones,  fracture  of,  429 

of,  243 

Splints,  427 

Stomachs  in  oxen,   inflamed, 

Sprains,  405 

238 

Sprain  above  the  knee,  423 

Stomach  staggers,  352 

Sprains   behind    the    fetlock. 

Stomatitis,  218  ;  aphthous,  219 

432 

Stone  in  the  bladder,  303 

Sprains  behind   the   pastern. 

Strangles,  95 

438 

Strangulated  cord,  313 

Sprains  below  the  fetlock,  433 

Stricture  of  the  gullet,  232 

Sprain  of  tendon  in  front  of 

Stricture  of  the  urethra,  302 

the  hock,  450 

String-halt,  455 

Sprains  of  the  back  and  loins. 

Strongylus  elongatus,  102 

413 

Strongylus  filaria,  191 

Sprains  of  the  back  tendons, 

Strongylus  micruris,  192 

430 

Strongylus  rufescens,  192 

Sprain   of  the   flexor   of   the 

Sturdy,  144 

hock,  447 

Sulphate  of  copper  as  a  disin- 

Sprain of  the  hamstring,  448 

fectant,  82  ;  of  iron,  82  ;  of 

Sprain  of  the  hip,  440 

zinc,  82 

Sprain  of  the  muscles  outside 

Sulphur  fumes  as  a  disinfec- 

the shoulder,  418 

tant,  80 

Sprain  of  the  radial  ligament, 

Sun's  rays  as  a  cause  of  skin 

423 

disease,  358 

Sprain  of  the  shoulder,  417 

Sunstroke,  354 

Sprain  of  the  suspensory  liga- 

Superfluous limbs,  321 

ment,  431 

Supernumerary  teeth,  221 

Sprain  of  the  tendons  behind 

Suppuration,  9 

the  knee,  423 

Suppuration,  bacteria  of,  10 

Staggers,  341 

Suppuration,  diffuse,  11 

Staggers,  parasitic,  144 

Suppuration,     circumscribed, 

Staggers,  sleepy,  344 

11 

Index. 


517 


Suppuration,  tendency  to,  in 

different  animals,  382 
Suspensory  ligament,    sprain 

of,  431 
Sweeny,  418 
Swelled  legs,  362 
Swelling  of  the  sheath,  313 
Swine,  carbuncular  erysipelas 

in,  117 
Swine,    guttural    tumors    in, 

117 
Swine,    intestinal     fever     of, 

103 
Swine,  lard-worm  of,  151 
Swine,  malignant  sore-throat 

in,  117 
Swine,  measles  in,  117,  148 
Swine-plague,  103 
Swine-pox,  86 
Syngamus  trachealis,  192 
Synovitis,  399 
Syphon  for  injecting  the  nose, 

168 

TiENiA  coenurus,  144 
Taenia  echinococcus,  147 
Taenia  expansa,  150 
Taenia  mediocanellata,  150 
Taenia  solium,  148 
Taenise,  143 

Tail,  amputation  of,  415 
Tail,  fracture  and  dislocation 

of,  415 
Tape-worm,  embryo,  144 
Tape-worm  from  measley  pork, 

141) 

Tape-worms,  143 

Tape- worms,     fertility     of, 

144 

44 


Tape-worm  of  sheep  and  cat- 
tle, 150 
Tape-worms,    transformations 

of,  144 
Tar  as  a  disinfectant,  81 
Tartar  on  teeth,  225 
TaurochoUc    acid,    poisoning 

by,  278 
Teat,  closure  by  a  membrane, 

330 
Teat,  polypus  in,  330 
Teats,  scabs  on,  331 
Teat,  stricture  of,  238 
Teat,  thickening  of  its  walls, 

330 
Teat-tube,  330 
Teats,  warts  on,  331 
Teeth,  caries  of,  223 
Teeth,  disease  of,  168 
Teeth,  displaced,  222 
Teeth,  overgrown,  222 
Teeth,  supernumerary,  211 
Teeth,  tartar  on,  225 
Teeth,  tumors  of,  225 
Teething,  fever  from,  225 
Temperature  of  body,  17 
Temperature  in  fever,  18 
Tendinous  sheaths,  inflamed, 

402 
Tendons,  calcification  of,  406 
Tendons,  shortening  of,  406 
Tendons,  thickening  of,  406 
Terms,  explanation  of,  488 
Testicle,    inflammation  of, 

310 
Tetanus,  342 
Texan  fever,  104 
Thecae,  inflamed,  403 
Thigh-bone,  fracture  of,  443 


518 


Index. 


Thigh,   long   muscle   of,    dis- 

Tumor of  bone,  388 

placed,  441 

Tumors  in  the  mouth,  220 

Thorough-pin,    bandage    for. 

Tumors  in  the  nose,  170 

450 

Tumors,  malignant,  485 

Thorough-pin    of    the    hock. 

Tumors  of  teeth,  225 

450 

Tumors  of  the  cornea,  334 

Thorough-pin    of    the    knee, 

Tumors  of  the  elbow,  420 

423 

Tumors  of  the  mamma,  331 

Thrush,  219,  480 

Tumors  of  the  sheath,  311 

Thumps,  201 

Tumors  on  the  shoulder,  416 

Tibia,  fracture  of,  446 

Tumors  on  the  spermatic  cord. 

Tick  of  sheep,  375 

314 

Ticks,  374 

Tumors,  simple,  485 

Tinea  decalvans,  368 

Turn-sick,  144 

Tinea  favosa,  367 

Tympanitic  colic,  241 

Tinea  tonsurans,  366 

Tympany  of  the  rumen,  232 

Tongue,  cancer  of,  220 

Tympany  of   the  stomach  in 

Tongue,   cysts    beneath    the. 

horses,  240 

220 

Typhoid  fever,  186 

Tongue,  inflamed,  219 

Typhoid  fever  in  horses,  98 

Tongue,  laceration  of,  220 

Typhus,  115 

Tooth-like  tumors  under  the 

Tyroglyph,  371 

ear,  410 

Tooth-rasp,  223 

Uddee,  congestion  of,  329 

Tooth-socket,  inflamed,  225 

Udder,  inflammation  of,  329 

Tracheotomy,  96 

Ulceration,  14 

Treads  on  the  coronet,  478 

Ulceration  in  joints,  399 

"Trembles,"  133 

Ulceration  of  bone,  388,  391 

Trembling,  349 

Ulceration  of  bone,  symptoms 

Trichiasis,  151,  332 

of,  389 

Trichina  spiralis,  152 

Ulceration  of  the  neck-bones. 

Trichodectes,  376 

412 

Trichophyton  tonsurans,  367 

Ulcers  of  the  eye,  334 

Trismus,  348 

Unripe    seeds,    their    effects. 

Tubercle,  139 

352 

Tubercle  in  bone,  392 

Upper  jaw,  fracture  of,  409 

Tubercles,  364 

Urea  in  fever,  18 

Tuberculosis,  139,  202 

Urethra,  inflammation  of,  301 

Tuberculous  foot-rot,  483 

Urethral  calculus,  307 

Index. 


519 


Urethra,  stricture  of,  302 
Urethritis,  301 
Urinary  calculi,  303 
Urinary       diseases,      general 

causes  of,  293 
Urinary       diseases,      general 

symptoms  of,  293 
Urinary    organs,   diseases    of, 

293 

Vagina,  catarrh  of,  323 

Vagina,  eversion  of,  324 

Vagina,  polypus  in,  310 

Valves  of  the  heart,  insuffi- 
ciency of,  207 

Varicose  veins,  213 

Variola  avis,  87 

Variola  canina,  87 

Variola  caprse,  86 

Variola  equina,  83 

Variola  ovina,  85 

Variola  suilla,  86 

Variola  vaccina,  84 

Veins,  air  in,  213 

Veins,  dilated,  213 

Veins,  diseases  of,  211 

Veins,  inflammation  of,  212 

Veins,  wounds  of,  211 

Venereal  disease  of  solipeds, 
137 

Verminous  bronchitj^,  193, 
195,  196 

Vertigo,  341 

Vesicles,  359 

Vetches,  a  cause  of  roaring, 
176 

Viscid  milk,  328 

Voluntary  motion,  loss  of, 
350 


Volvulus,  255 
Vomiting,  243 

Warbles,  374 

Warts,  366 

Warts  on  the  lips,  220 

Wasting  in  fever,  18 

Wasting  from  ergotism,  156 

Wasting  of  the  heart,  203 

Water-brain,  144 

Water  in  the  abdomen  in  par- 
turition, 322 

Water  in  «the  chest,  182, 
184 

Water  in  the  head  in  parturi- 
tion, 321 

Water-stones,  311 

Watery  blood,  162 

Weed,  213 

White  scour,  239 

Wind-broken,  188 

Windgalls,  432 

Wind-sucking,  221 

Wolf-teeth,  221 

Womb,  bleeding  from,  322 

Womb,  cataiTh  of,  323 

Womb,  eversion  of,  324 

Womb,  indurated  neck  of, 
318 

Womb,  inflammation  of,  325 

Womb,  twisting  of  the  neck 
of,  318 

Wood-evil,  272 

Wood-tar  as  a  disinfectant, 
81 

Wood-balls,  245 

Worms  in  the  digestive  canal, 
206 

Worms,  treatment  of,  273 


520 


Index. 


Wounds,  381 
Wounds,  bruised,  382 
Wounds,  healing  of,  in  differ- 
ent animals,  381 
Wounds,  irritated,  215 
Wounds,  lacerated,  382 
AVounds  of  the  chest,  185,  416 
Wounds,  poisoned,  383 


Wounds,  punctured,  382 
Wounds  of  the  heart,  204 
Wounds  of  the  sole,  475 
Wounds  of  veins,  211 
Wounds,  putref^'ing,  215 
Wrong  presentations,  319 

Yellows,  281 


THE   END. 


THE 


LUNG    PLAGUE 

OF 

CATTLE, 

CONTAGIOUS   PLEURO-PNEUMONIA 


BY 


JAMES     L  A  AV  , 

Projector  of  VeUrinary  Medicim,  etc.,  in  Co.nell  UnivenUy. 


toiti)   JUustrations. 


ITHACA: 
PUBLISHED     BY     THE     AUTHOR 

1887. 


Copyright,  1S79,  bx 
JAMES  LAW. 


Trow's 

Printing  and  Bookbinding  Company, 

201-213  I^tist   12th  Street, 

NEW   YORK. 


THE  LUNG  PLAGUE  OF  CATTLE. 


THE  BOVINE  PNEUMONIC  PLAGUE.— PLEUEO 
PNEUMONIA  CONTAGIOSA. 

Nomenclature. — Generally  known  in  English  veterinary 
literature  as  Pleuro-jMeumoniaj  this  affection  has  been 
consequently  largely  misapprehended  by  the  medical 
mind.  It  is  naturally  assumed  that  the  malady,  like 
other  inflammations  of  the  organs  within  the  chest,  is 
caused  by  exposure,  inclement  weather,  changes  of  cli- 
mate or  season,  imperfect  ventilation,  etc.,  etc.  There  is, 
however,  no  proof  that  such  is  the  case,  and  hence  it  is 
impolitic  to  retain  a  name  which  is  misleading  to  the  ed- 
ucated mind,  and  conveys  no  definite  conception  to  the 
uneducated.  Other  names  that  have  been  at  different 
times  employed  are  equally  objectionable  :  Peripneumo- 
nia, Peripneumonia  pecorum  enzdotica  or  epizdoticay  Peri- 
pneumonia exudativa  enzdotica  or  contagiosa^  Ptripneumonia 
pecornm  epizdotica  typhosay  Pleuro-pneumonla  interhhularis 
exudativa,  Pneumonia  catarrludis  ga^strica  asthenica,  Pleu- 
rlils  rheumatico-exudativa.  If  we  add  the  term  contagious 
(contagiosa)  to  any  of  these  definitions  we  only  remove 
the  difficulty  a  short  step,  for  the  physician  still  con- 
cludes that  the  affection  is  due  to  local  or  general  causes, 
and  that  if  it  arises  in  one  animal  under  such  circum- 
stances, it  maj'  in  one  million  subject  to  the  same  condi- 
tions, that  its  general  prevalence  at  any  time  or  place 
1 


The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 


may  be  altogether  due  to  the  en\dronment ;  and  that  the 
doctrine  of  contagion  is  either  founded  on  insufficient 
data,  or  true  only  in  a  restricted  sense  and  entirely  sub- 
sidiary to  the  generally  acting  causes.  But  the  malady 
as  known  to  veterinarians  of  to-day  is  always  and  only 
the  result  of  contagion  or  infection,  therefore  we  should 
select  a  name  better  adapted  to  set  forth  this  character 
without  the  risk  of  misleading.  This  we  have  in  the 
Lung  Plague  of  Cattle,  the  near  counterpart  of  the  Lungeii' 
seuche  by  which  it  has  been  long  known  in  Germany. 
The  old  term  Pulmonary  murrain  is  equally  good. 

The  German  Liingenseuclie  is  especially  apposite,  the 
real  meaning  being  Lung-contagion,  which  conveys  the 
idea  of  transmission  by  contagion  only. 

Definition. — A  specific  contagious  disease  peculiar  to 
cattle,  and  manifested  by  a  long  period  of  incubation  (ten 
days  to  three  months),  by  a  slow,  insidious  onset,  by  a  low 
type  of  fever,  and  by  the  occurrence  of  inflammation  in 
the  air-passages,  lungs,  and  their  coverings,  with  an  ex- 
tensive exudation  into  lungs  and  pleurse. 

History. — As  in  the  case  of  all  genuine  plagues,  small- 
pox, cholera,  rinderpest,  aphthous  fever,  etc.,  we  know 
nothing  of  the  original  source  of  the  lung-fever  contagium. 
"We  know  the  disease  only  as  it  is  introduced  into  a 
country  or  herd  by  a  diseased  animal  or  some  of  its  in- 
fecting products.  In  ancient  as  in  modern  times,  in  the 
Old  World  as  in  the  New,  the  malady  can  ever  be  traced 
in  connection  with  the  aggregation  of  cattle  in  herds 
made  up  from  different  districts  and  countries.  Aristotle, 
writing  three  hundred  and  fifty  years  before  Christ,  says  . 
"  The  cattle  which  live  in  herds  are  subject  to  a  malady 
during  which  the  breathing  becomes  hot  and  fi-equent. 
The  ears  droop  and  they  cannot  eat.  They  die  rapidly, 
and  the  lungs  are  found  spoiled."  Here  the  facts  that 
cattle  alone  suffered,  that  large  herds  suffered  most,  that 
the  lungs  were  the  seat  of  the  diseased  changes,  and  that 


Prevalence  in  Holland  and  Britain.  3 


the  mortality  was  high,  all  point  toward  the  probable  ex- 
istence of  this  plague  at  that  remote  epoch.  Equally  in- 
definite are  the  reports  of  the  ancient  Greek  veterinari- 
ans, and  still  more  so  those  of  the  Roman  writers  on 
bucolics.  At  a  later  date  Valentini  describes  a  fatal  lung 
disease  of  cattle  which  all  acknowledge  to  have  reference 
to  the  Lung  Plague,  and  from  this  time  onward  the  rec- 
ords of  the  disease  become  more  frequent  and  definite. 
The  modern  history  of  the  malady  may,  however,  be  all 
summed  up  in  this,  that  whenever  the  commissariat  de- 
mands of  a  large  army  led  to  the  aggregation  of  cattle 
from  all  quarters,  and  especially  from  the  east  of  Europe, 
then  this  and  other  animal  plagues  have  gained  a  wide 
extension. 

Into  Holland  the  Lung  Plague  was  imported  in  1833 
from  Prussia  by  a  distiller,  Vanderbosch  in  Gelderland. 
In  1835  it  was  conveyed  thence  to  Utrecht,  thence  to 
South  Holland,  North  Brabant,  West  Flanders,  Drenthe, 
Groningen,  Overyssel,  and  finally  in  1842  to  Friesland! 
Destruction  of  the  sick,  by  order  of  the  government,  was 
resorted  to,  and  Friesland  was  freed  from  the  plague  un- 
til 1845,  when  it  was  again  introduced  in  cattle  from 
Overyssel  in  connection  with  the  active  traffic  established 
by  the  demands  for  the  British  trade.  Another  efi'ort 
was  made  to  kill  out  the  disease,  but  the  trade  had  grown 
to  great  proportions,  and  as  often  as  it  was  crushed  in 
one  district  it  re-appeared  in  a  new  locality.  After  1847 
the  attempt  was  abandoned,  and  the  malady  spread  with 
increasing  rapidity.  In  the  last  six  montlis  of  1847  there 
were  but  16  stables  infected  ;  in  1848  58  different  out- 
breaks occurred.  By  1863  between  5,000  and  6,000  of  tlie 
14,000  cow-stables  in  Friesland  had  suffered  jFrom  the 
disease,  and  the  annual  mortality  had  risen  from  5.25  per 
thousand  in  1850  to  nearly  40  per  tliousand. 

From  Holland  it  was  imported  into  Cork,  Ireland,  ic 
1839  by  Dutch  cows  sent  by  the  British  Consul  at  tlie 


The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle, 


Hague  to  an  Irish  friend.  In  Ireland  it  met  with  the 
most  favorable  conditions  for  its  propagation,  the  great 
mass  of  the  young  store  cattle  having  been  in  the  habit  of 
changing  hands  and  pastures  several  times  a  year,  of 
passing  on  each  occasion  through  public  markets  where 
they  mingled  with  herds  from  all  quarters,  and  of  being 
transferred  after  every  sale  to  common  pastures  where 
the  cattle  of  different  owners  are  turned  out  together  at 
so  much  per  head.  (See  Prof.  Ferguson's  Keport  to  The 
PriAHfT  Council,  1878.)  In  two  years  the  whole  island  was 
infected,  and  diseased  stock  were  being  exported  to  the 
adjacent  island  of  Great  Britain.  The  following  year  the 
Free  Trade  Act  was  passed,  and  immediately  Great  Brit- 
ain was  deluged  with  a  steady  influx  of  infected  cattle 
from  Holland,  Belgium  and  France  on  the  one  side,  and 
from  Ireland  on  the  other.  Since  that  period  England 
has  been  ravaged  continually,  excepting  only  in  those 
districts  (the  Highlands)  which  breed  their  own  cattle 
and  never  admit  strange  stock.  The  yearly  losses  from 
this  plague  alone  have  be'en  no  less  than  $10,000,000  per 
annum.     (Gamgee). 

From  England  the  plague  was  carried  back  to  the  Con- 
tinent, infecting  at  different  times  the  more  northern 
countries  of  Sweden,  Denmark,  Norway,  Schleswig-Hol- 
stein,  Oldenburg  and  Mecklenburg-Schwerin ;  also  to, the 
more  distant  lands  of  Long  Island  in  1843  and  1850,  to 
New  Jersey  in  1847,  and  to  Australia  in  1858. 

From  Holland  it  was  conveyed  in  the  systems  of  in- 
fected cattle  to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  in  1854,  and  to 
Massachusetts  in  1859. 

The  introduction  of  the  disease  into  the  more  distant 
countries  has  been  so  fruitful  in  evil  results  that  it  de- 
mands to  be  noticed  in  greater  detail. 

Into  Brooklyn,  Long  Island,  it  was  introduced  in  1843 
in  the  system  of  a  ship  cow,  purchased  by  Peter  Dunn 
from  the  captain  of  an  English  vessel.     From  Dunn's 


Lung  Plague  in  Massachusetts. 


herd  it  spread  to  others  adjacent  and  speedily  infected 
the  whole  west  end  of  the  island,  as  will  be  noticed  later 
at  greater  length. 

Into  Massachusetts  the  plague  was  introduced  on  the 
23d  of  July,  1859,  in  the  bodies  of  four  Dutch  cows,  im- 
ported by  Winthrop  W.  Chenery,  of  Belmont,  near  Bos- 
ton. These  cows  were  procured  from  Purmerend  and  the 
Beemster,  and  were  kept  in  stables  for  several  days  at 
the  port  of  Kotterdam — an  infected  city — before  being 
put  on  board  the  vessel.  They  were  shipped  April  6th, 
passed  forty-seven  days  at  sea,  and  were  ill  during  the 
last  twenty  days,  one  of  the  number  having  been  unable 
to  stand.  On  landing  two  were  able  to  walk  to  the  farm, 
while  the  other  two  had  to  be  carried  in  wagons.  The 
worst  cow  was  killed  May  31st,  and  the  second  died  June 
2d.  The  third  did  well  till  June  20th,  when  she  was  severe- 
ly attacked  and  died  in  ten  days.  The  fourth  recovered. 
On  August  20th  another  cow,  imported  in  1852,  sickened 
and  died  in  a  few  days,  and  others  followed  in  rapid  suc- 
cession. 

In  the  first  week  of  September  Mr.  Chenery  is«>lated 
his  herd,  and  declined  all  ofiers  to  purchase,  being  now 
convinced  that  he  was  dealing  with  the  Bovine  Lung 
Flof/iie  of  Europe. 

Unfortunately,  on  June  23d  he  had  sold  three  calves  to 
Curtis  Stoddard,  of  North  Brookfield,  Worcester  Co.,  one 
of  which  was  noticed  to  be  sick  on  the  way  to  Curtis's 
farm.  Several  days  later  Leonard  Stoddard  (father  of 
Curtis)  took  this  calf  to  his  farm  to  cure  it,  and  kept  it 
in  his  barn  with  forty  cattle  for  four  days,  when  he  re- 
turned it  to  his  son.  It  died  August  20th.  Curtis  Stod- 
dard lost  no  more  until  November  1st,  when  he  sold 
eleven  young  cattle  to  as  many  different  purchasers,  and 
wherever  these  went  the  disease  was  developed.  In  one 
case  more  than  200  cattle  were  infected  by  one  of  these 
Stoddard  heifers.  Of  the  nine  cattle  which  he  retaine-l^ 
seven  were  killed  and  found  to  be  badly  diseased. 


6  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

An  ox  of  L.  Stoddard's  sickened  two  weeks  after  he  had 
returned  the  diseased  calf  to  his  son,  and  soon  died. 
Two  weeks  later  a  second  was  taken  ill  and  died ;  then  a 
dozen  in  rapid  succession.  From  this  herd  were  infect- 
ed those  of  the  following :  Messrs.  Needham,  Woodes, 
Olmsted,  and  Huntingdon.  Olmsted  sold  a  yoke  of  oxen 
to  Doane,  who  lent  them  to  assist  with  twenty-three  yoke 
of  cattle  in  removing  a  building  in  North  Brookfield. 
These  belonged  to  eleven  different  herds,  all  of  which 
were  thereby  infected. 

This  will  suffice  to  show  how  the  disease  was  dissem- 
inated. In  the  next  four  years  it  was  found  in  herds  in 
the  following  towns :  Milton,  Dorchester,  Quincy,  Lin- 
coln, Ashby,  Boxborough,  Lexington,  Waltham,  Hing- 
ham,  E.  Marshfield,  Sherborn,  Dover,  Holliston,  Ashland, 
Natick,  Northborough,  Chelmsford,  Dedham,  and  Na- 
hant,  and  on  Deer  Island. 

By  the  spring  of  1860  the  State  had  been  roused  to  its 
danger,  and  in  April  an  Act  was  passed  "to  provide  for 
the  extirpation  of  the  disease  called  pleuro-pneumonia 
among  cattle,"  which  empowered  the  Commissioners  to 
kill  all  cattle  in  herds  where  the  disease  was  known  or 
suspected  to  exist.  With  various  intervals  this  and  suc- 
ceeding commissions  were  kept  in  existence  for  six  years, 
and  the  last  remnants  of  the  plague  having  been  extin- 
guished, the  last  resigned  definitely  in  1866.  The  rec- 
ords show  that  1164  cattle  were  slaughtered  by  orders  of 
the  Commissioners,  in  addition  to  others  disposed  of  by 
the  Selectmen  of  the  different  towns  in  1863,  when  the 
commission  was  temporarily  suspended.  The  money 
disbursed  by  the  State  was  $67,511.07,  and  by  the  in- 
fected towns  $10,000,  making  a  grand  total  of  $77,511.07, 
in  addition  to  all  losses  by  deaths  from  the  plague,  de- 
preciation, etc.  Dr.  E.  F.  Thayer,  Newtown,  was  the 
professional  Commissioner  who  brought  this  work  to  a 
successful  end. 


Lung  Plague  in  the  Atlantic  States.  7 

An  importation  into  New  Jersey  in  1847  is  recorded, 
to  check  which  the  importer,  Mr.  E-ichardson,  is  said  tc 
to  have  slaughtered  his  whole  herd,  valued  at  $10,000, 
for  the  good  of  the  State.  Unfortunately  all  New  Jersey 
men  were  not  so  public-spirited,  and  subsequent  impor- 
tations from  New  York  and  mayhap  also  from  Europe 
have  since  spread  this  pestilence  widely  over  the  State. 

From  New  Jersey  it  spread  to  Pennsylvania  and  Dela- 
ware, and  thence  to  Maryland,  District  of  Columbia  and 
Virginia,  in  all  of  which  it  still  prevails 

Of  the  progress  of  the  disease  southward  from  New 
York  the  records  are  somewhat  imperfect,  yet  sufficient 
to  show  a  steady  advance.  Robert  Jennings  records  its 
existence  in  Camden  and  Gloucester  Counties,  N.  J.,  in 
1859,  and  its  introduction  into  Philadelphia  in  18G0.  It 
spread  to  "  The  Neck  "  in  the  southern  part  of  the  coun- 
ty, killing  from  30  to  50  per  cent,  of  infected  herds,  and 
spread  in  1861  into  Delaware,  and  into  Burlington  Co., 
N.  J.  In  1868  Mr.  Martin  Goldsborough  assured  Pro- 
fessor Gamgee  of  the  extensive  prevalence  of  the  disease 
in  Maryland,  infection  having  been  introduced  by  cattle 
from  the  Philadelphia  market.  The  professor  personally 
traced  the  disease  in  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Mary- 
land, District  of  Columbia,  and  Virginia,  and  makes  the 
following  assertions : 

"  That  the  Lung  Plague  in  cattle  exists  on  Long  Isl- 
and, where  it  has  prevailed  for  many  years ;  that  it  is 
not  uncommon  in  New  Jersey ;  has  at  various  times  ex- 
isted in  New  York  State  ;  continues  to  be  very  prevalen 
in  several  counties  of  Pennsylvania,  especially  in  Dela 
ware  and  Bucks ;  has  injured  the  farmers  of  Maryland, 
the  dairymen  around  Washington,  D.  C,  and  has  pene- 
trated into  Virginia." 

He  adds  a  table  compiled  by  Mr.  G.  Reid,  Ingleside 
Farm,  "Washington,  D.  C,  and  showing  that  in  an  average 
of  471  cows  kept  in  Washington  and  vicinity,  198  had 


8  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

died  of  Lung  Plague  since  its  introduction,  39  head  per- 
ished in  1868,  and  16  in  1869  up  to  the  date  of  report. 

More  recently  illustrations  of  the  existence  of  the  dis- 
ease in  these  States  have  been  frequent,  and  among  com- 
paratively recent  cases  the  author  has  been  consulted 
concerning  a  high  class  Jersey  herd  near  Burlington, 
N.  J.,  in  1877,  and  a  herd  of  imported  Ayrshires  in  Staten 
Island,  later  in  the  same  year. 

In  1878  the  town  of  Clinton,  N.  J.,  was  invaded,  the 
infection  coming  through  a  cow  that  had  staid  for  some 
days  in  New  York  city.  This  was  alleged  to  be  an  Ohio 
cow,  but  had  staid -long  enough  in  New  York  to  have 
contracted  the  affection. 

In  1847  Ayrshire  cattle  taken  from  Scotland  to  Den- 
mark conveyed  the  plague  into  that  country.  The  in- 
fected cattle  were,  however,  at  once  placed  in  quarantine 
and  the  spread  of  the  malady  was  prevented.  Mr.  R. 
Fenger,  whom  I  met  at  Edinburgh  in  1862,  stated  that 
there  had  been  but  three  dairies  attacked,  all  by  reason 
of  infected  cattle  imported,  and  that  all  had  been  crush- 
ed out  so  that  for  three  years  the  kingdom  had  been  free 
from  the  disease. 

Schleswig-Holstein  has  repeatedly  imported  the  plague 
by  the  introduction  of  foreign  cattle,  but  has  invariably 
stamped  it  out  by  quarantining  the  infected  places  and 
destroying  the  sick  cattle.  One  of  these  importations 
consisted  of  Ayrshire  cattle  brought  from  Scotland  in  1859. 
A  still  more  serious  invasion  took  place  on  the  occasion 
of  the  late  Prusso-Danish  war ;  the  commissariat  parks 
of  the  invading  army  having  been  supplied  from  infected 
districts  carried  the  plague  wherever  they  went,  but  true 
to  her  record,  on  the  return  of  peace,  the  province  went 
vigorously  to  work,  drove  out  the  pestilence,  and  foi 
years  past  has  been  free  from  the  infection. 

In  1860  Norway  was  infected  by  a  cargo  of  Ayrshire 
cattle,  imported  for  the  Agricultural  College  at  Aas.     The 


Lung  Plague  in  South  Africa. 


disease  broke  out  three  months  after  their  arrival,  and 
was  limited  by  the  slaughter  of  aU  native  cattle 'with 
which  the  Aji-shires  had  come  in  contact,  and  by  tli« 
strict  quarantine  of  the  Ayrshires  themselves.  Since 
that  time  Norway  has  remained  sound. 

Sweden  imported  the  Lung  Plague  from  England,  by 
cattle  imported  in  1847.  By  stringent  measures  of  sup- 
pression it  was  speedily  exterminated,  and  this  impunity 
has  since  been  maintained. 

Oldenburg  derived  the  disease  from  England  through 
Ayrshires  imported  for  breeding  purposes  in  1858.  Tliis, 
together  with  other  invasions,  she  has  crushed  out  by  the 
remorseless  use  of  the  pole-ax.  The  same  remark  applies 
to  Mecklenburg-Schwerin  and  Switzerland. 

For  the  history  of  the  introduction  of  this  plague  into 
Australia  see  ''Infection  through  Pastures."  Its  convey- 
ance to  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope  was  described  by  Eev. 
Daniel  Lindley,  missionary  to  South  Africa,  before  the 
Massachusetts  Legislative  Committee,  in  1860. 

The  importation  took  place  in  1854  in  the  body  of  a 
bull  brought  from  Holland  by  a  gentlemen  of  Cape  Town 
with  the  view  of  improving  his  stock.  The  bull  was 
about  two  months  on  the  passage,  and  had  been  six 
weeks  at  the  Cape  before  any  sign  of  sickness  appeared 
in  him.  He  died,  but  conveyed  the  disease  to  a  great 
number  of  cattle,  and  it  had  spread  very  widely  before 
the  colonists  suspected  its  true  nature.  The  Cape  is  a 
great  unwooded  and  unfenced  pasture-land,  dotted  with 
thickets  and  jungles,  and  over  this  the  cattle,  the  source 
of  the  colonist's  wealth,  are  scattered  in  herds  of  from 
one  to  five  hundred  head  on  an  average.  Wherever  lions 
and  tigers  have  been  exterminated  these  cattle  are  allowed 
to  roam  day  and  night  where  they  please ;  they  accord- 
ingly wander  long  distances,  and  herd  mingles  with  herd 
from  one  side  of  the  country  to  the  other.  All  tlie  prod- 
uce of  the  country  is  brought  from  the  interior  to  the 
1* 


10  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

seaports  in  ox-wagons,  and  all  imported  goods  are  carried 
inland  in  the  same  way.  This  describes  a  country  oi 
2,400  miles  across  destitute  of  railroads  and  navigable 
rivers,  and  which  is  being  constantly  traversed  from  side 
to  side  by  hundreds  of  ox- wagons  and  thousands  of  work- 
mg  oxen.  The  disease  once  introduced  and  favored  by 
such  conditions  speedily  spread  in  every  direction  and 
bade  defiance  to  any  attempt  at  suppression. 

Mr.  Lindley  related  various  instances  from  his  own 
knowledge  of  the  disease  having  been  conveyed  by  ox- 
teams  two  and  three  hundred  miles,  and  of  its  wide  ex- 
tension in  the  new  localities,  and  contrasted  them  with  ex- 
amples in  which  chief  and  people,  warned  of  the  ap- 
proach of  the  pestilence,  resorted  to  spear  and  shield  to 
exclude  all  traveling  teams  and  cattle,  and  thereby  saved 
their  own  herds,  though  only  a  half  a  mile  off  the  victims 
of  the  plague  lay  unburied  in  great  numbers. 

Causes  of  the  Disease. — The  known  cause  of  the  disease 
may  be  summed  up  in  one  word,  contagion.  All  sorts  of 
causes  have  been  invoked  to  account  for  the  spontaneous 
appearance  of  the  disease ;  but  the  theorists  should  first 
assure  themselves  that  they  have  seen  a  spontaneous  case 
before  attempting  to  account  for  it.  Delafond  attributed 
it  to  :  1.  Impurity  of  the  air  in  stables ;  2.  Excessively  rich 
food;  3.  Secretion  of  milk  to  excess;  4.  Chills  of  the 
skin  in  inclement  weather,  and  the  breathing  of  cold  air 
when  suddenly  taken  from  a  warm  stable ;  5.  Drinking 
iced  water;  6.  Waters  charged  with  corrupting  organic 
matter ;  7.  Overwork  in  summer  ;  8.  Hereditary  predis- 
position; 9.  Some  unknown  atmospheric  and  telluric 
conditions  usually  referred  to  as  epidemic  influences.  The 
answer  to  one  and  all  these  allegations  is  this  :  that  these 
have  all  prevailed  to  an  equal  extent  at  different  times  in 
different  parts  of  the  world,  and  do  so  still ;  but  no  one 
of  them,  nor  all  put  together,  can  be  shown  to  have  pro- 
duced tliis  disease  in  any  country  from  which  cattle,  and 


Alleged  Causes.  11 


cattle  products,  from  an  infected  country  have  been 
rigidly  excluded.  In  many  cases,  indeed,  we  find  these 
alleged  causes  operating  with  the  greatest  intensity  in 
isolated  countries  where  this  malady  has  never  been 
known.  The  cow-stables  of  England  were  far  worse 
ventilated  at  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century 
than  they  are  to-day ;  yet  .this  disease  was  unknown 
in  Great  Britain  until  Dutch  and  Dutch-infected  Irish 
cattle  were  imported  in  1842.  None  feed  with  a 
more  lavish  hand  than  dairymen,  yet  the  dairy  coun- 
tries of  Denmark  and  Schleswig  have  only  known  this 
disease  as  the  result  of  importation,  and  have  long 
since  freed  themselves  from  the  pest.  The  Channel  Isl- 
ands, which  produce  the  richest  milkers  in  the  world, 
have  never  known  this  disease,  but  only  because  all  land- 
ing of  foreign  cattle  is  criminal.  Inclemency,  variability 
and  extremes  of  the  weather  are  above  all  characteristic 
of  the  Highlands  of  Scotland,  yet  the  Highlands,  which 
breed  their  owti  stock  and  suffer  a  large  egress  but  no 
ingress  of  cattle,  have  never  been  ravaged  by  this  affec- 
tion, whereas  in  the  mild  and  equable  Lowlands  it  has 
decimated  the  herds  yearly.  The  immunity  of  countries 
with  the  rigorous  climates  of  Norway,  Sweden,  Denmark, 
Massachusetts,  Vermont,  New  Hampshire,  Maine,  and 
above  all  our  Western  plains,  where  the  cattle  are  often 
wintered  without  shelter,  is  even  more  striking  in  this  re- 
spect. Iced  water  and  corrupt  malarious  water  are  all 
tliat  the  cattle  can  obtain  in  many  of  our  Western  States, 
but  there  is  no  evidence  that  this  disease  has  ever  existed 
anywhere  in  the  West,  and  no  danger  whatever  attaches 
to  our  Western  cattle  until  they  have  entered  infected 
localities  in  the  East.  Similar  remarks  may  be  made 
of  overwork  and  hereditary  predisposition,  as  also  of  epi- 
demic and  telluric  conditions,  which  are  but  cloaks  for 
ignorance,  and  a  persistent  adherence  to  an  unfounded 
idea. 


12  The  Lung  Flague  of  Cattle, 

The  same  is  true  of  distillery  feeding,  of  low,  damp 
marshy  pastures,  of  fodder  spoiled  by  wet,  or  decompo- 
sition, or  covered  by  cryptogams,  of  extreme  changes  ol 
climate,  etc.,  etc.     All  these  are  brought  into  play  in 
many  of  our  Western  States ;  no  climatic  change  could 
be  more  severe  than  that  to  which  our  Texan  cattle  are 
subjected  in  being  transferred  to  Nebraska  or  Minnesota, 
yet  not  all  of  these  conditions  combined  have  ever  gene- 
rated de  novo  the  germ  of  the  Bovine  Lung  Plague.     Had 
it  done  so  in  a  single  instance  on  our  unfenced  cattle 
ranges  we  must  inevitably  have  passed  through  the  same 
experience  as  Australia  and  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  each 
infected  by  a  single  sick  animal  and  each  speedily  rav- 
aged throughout  by  this  most  insidious  and  unrelenting 
pestilence. 

The  incontrovertible  fact  that  we  can  point  to  no  coun- 
try (out  of  the  centre  of  the  eastern  continent)  in  which 
this  disease  prevails,  into  which  we  cannot  also  trace  its 
introduction  in  the  system  of  an  infected  animal,  or  some 
of  its  products,  must  put  to  silence  all  claims  to  its  spon- 
taneous development  in  those  countries.  This  grand  truth, 
that  the  disease  is  only  known  to-day  as  the  result  of 
contagion,  dawned  upon  some  of  the  best  medical  minds 
of  the  last  century.  The  renowned  physiologist,  Haller, 
writing  in  his  native  Switzerland,  the  mountains  of  which 
had  been  maligned  as  the  source  and  native  home  of  the 
plague,  claimed  that,  on  the  contrary,  it  was  utterly  un- 
known save  as  the  result  of  importation.  The  last  quarter 
of  a  century  has  sustained  Haller's  representation  of  a 
century  before ;  the  disease  has  been  exterminated  and 
the  herds  of  the  Alpine  and  Jura  mountains  and  valleys 
freed  from  the  pest.  A  list  of  other  states  which  have 
expelled  this  disease  from  their  borders  deserves  to  be 
mentioned  in  this  connection  ;  these  are  Norway,  Sweden, 
Denmark,  Schleswig-Holstein,  Oldenburg,  and  Mecklen- 
burg-Schwerin  in  the  Old  World,  and  Massachusetts  and 


The  One  Knoivn  Cause.  13 


Connecticut  in  the  New.  To  the  same  purpose  speaks 
the  immunity  of  Spain  and  Portugal,  guarded  by  their 
peninsular  position,  the  bold  walls  of  the  Pyrenees,  and 
the  entire  absence  of  cattle-traffic ;  of  parts  of  Brittany 
and  Normandy,  of  the  Channel  Islands,  and  of  the  High- 
lands of  Scotland,  that  breed  their  own  stock  and  nevei 
import.  To  the  same  end  speaks  also  the  absence  of  the 
disease  in  our  Western  States,  and  in  Massachusetts 
since  1864,  when  she  crushed  out  the  imported  plague. 
The  disease,  then,  is  only  known  as  a  contagious  malady, 
and  the  unhygienic  conditions  above  referred  to  only 
favor  its  propagation  so  far  as  they  favor  the  preservation 
of  the  morbid  germ  already  in  existence,  or  weaken  the 
animal  vitality  and  power  of  resistance  and  lay  the  sub- 
ject more  open  to  disease.  Faulty  surroundings  will 
greatly  favor  the  dissemination  of  the  disease,  but  have 
never  been  known  to  generate  it.  The  primary  origin  of 
its  germ  is  as  great  a  mystery  as  in  the  case  of  small-pox 
or  plague. 

But  for  some  readers  this  is  not  enough ;  it  may  be 
conceded  that  the  true  Lung  Plague  of  European  cattle 
is  only  propagated  by  contagion,  and  that  in  the  absence 
of  importations  of  sick  cattle  and  their  products  no  coun- 
try need  fear  an  invasion  of  this  disease,  and  yet  doubts 
and  objections  of  all  kinds  are  raised :  1.  Is  the  present 
lung  disease  of  cattle  in  certain  of  our  Eastern  States  the 
genuine  Lung  Plague  of  Europe  ?  2.  Conceding  that  it 
is  the  same  disease  as  respects  its  origin,  has  it  not  lost 
much  or  all  of  its  virulence  in  being  transplanted  to  tlio 
New  "World?  3.  Allowing  that  it  is  at  once  the  Lung 
Plague  of  Europe  and  that  its  virulence  is  preserved  on 
the  American  Continent,  is  it  not  the  case  that  its  infec- 
tion can  only  be  propagated  by  the  direct  contact  of  the 
sick  with  the  healtliy  cattle,  while  the  transmission  of  the 
virus  through  any  intervening  medium  renders  it  inopo- 
rativc  ? 
2 


14  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

1.    Was  the  New  York  disea.se  imported? 

(a)  From  different  old  residents  (including  Wm.  Ged- 
des,  of  Brooklyn,  and  Hugh  T.  Meakim,  of  Flushing) 
who  were  in  the  milk  business  in  Brooklyn  at  the  time  of 
the  importation  the  following  facts  have  been  obtained. 

The  first  diseased  cow  was  introduced  from  England 
on  the  ship  "  Washington,"  in  1843,  and  was  purchased 
by  Peter  Dunn,  a  milkman,  who  kept  his  cows  in  a  sta- 
ble near  South  Ferry.  This  cow  soon  sickened  and  died, 
and  infected  the  rest  of  his  cows.  From  this  the  disease 
was  speedily  conveyed  into  the  great  distillery  stables  of 
John  D.  Minton,  at  the  foot  of  Fourth  street,  and  into  the 
Skillman  street  stables,  Brooklyn,  through  which  my  in- 
formant, Fletcher,  showed  the  Massachusetts  Commis- 
sion in  1862.  In  this  long  period  of  nineteen  years  the 
plague  had  prevailed  uninterruptedly  in  these  Skillman 
street  stables,  and  the  Commission  reported  that  they 
"found  some  sick  with  the  acute  disease,"  and  having 
killed  and  examined  one  in  the  last  stages  of  the  affec- 
tion, stated  that  it  "  showed  a  typical  case  of  the  same 
malady  which  existed  in  Massachusetts." 

As  dealers  found  it  profitable  to  purchase  cheap  cows 
out  of  infected  herds  and  retail  them  at  a  sound  price, 
the  malady  was  soon  spread  over  Brooklyn  and  New 
York  city.  One  or  two  cases  will  enable  us  to  trace  one 
unbroken  chain  of  infection  down  to  the  present  time. 

{h)  In  1849  Wm.  Meakim,  of  Bushwick,  L.  I.,  kept  a 
large  dairy,  and  employed  a  man  with  a  yoke  of  oxen  in 
drawing  gi-ains  from  the  New  York  and  Brooklyn  distill- 
eries. A  milkman  on  the  way  who  had  lung  fever  in  his 
heard,  persuaded  the  man  to  use  his  oxen  in  drawing  a 
dead  cow  out  of  his  stable.  Soon  after  the  oxen  sicken- 
ed and  died ;  and  the  disease  extending  to  his  dairy  cows, 
Mr.  Meakim  lost  forty  head  in  the  short  space  of  three 
months.  The  stables  having  thus  become  infected,  Mr. 
M,  continued  to  lose  from  six  to  ten  cows  yearly  for  the 


Never  Spontaneous  in  America.  15 


Bucceeding  twenty  years,  or  as  long  as  he  kept  in  the 
milk  business.  This,  which  is  but  one  instance  out  of 
a  hundred,  covers  fifteen  years  of  the  pLague  in  the  Skill- 
man  stables  and  brings  the  record  down  to  1869.  It  will 
be  observed  that  this  was  the  first  occurrence  of  any  such 
sickness  in  Mr.  Meakim's  herd ;  it  commenced,  not  in  the 
cows  cooped  up  in  hot  buildings  and  heavily  fed  on  swill, 
but  in  the  oxen  that  were  almost  constantly  in  the  open 
air,  but  which  had  been  brought  in  contact  with  a  dead 
and  infected  cow ;  the  infection  of  the  cows  followed,  and 
for  twenty  long  years  no  fresh  cow  could  be  brought  into 
these  stables  with  impunity. 

(c)  Dr.  Bathgate,  Fordham  Avenue  and  171st  st..  New 
York,  informs  us  that  twenty  years  ago  (1859)  his  father 
kept  a  herd  of  Jerseys,  which  contracted  the  disease  by 
exposure  to  sick  animals,  and  that  all  efforts  to  get  rid  of 
it  failed,  until  when,  several  years  later,  the  barns  were 
burned  down.  The  devouring  element  secured  what  the 
skill  of  the  owner  had  failed  to  accomplish — a  thorough 
disinfection. 

For  some  time  so  prevalent  was  the  disease  that  Dr. 
Bathgate  did  not  dare  to  turn  his  cattle  out  in  the  fields 
lest  they  should  be  infected  by  contact  with  cattle  ovei 
the  fence.  Since  the  period  of  the  infection  of  his  own 
herd,  he  knows  that  the  pestilence  has  been  constantly 
prevalent  in  many  of  the  dairies  around  him.  This 
bridges  over  the  time  from  the  Skillman  street  and  Meak 
im  cases  down  to  the  present  day. 

{d)  Twenty  years  ago  (1859)  Mr.  Benjamin  Albertson, 
Queens,  Queens  Co.,  L.  I.,  purchased  four  cows  out  of 
Herkimer  County  herd  which  had  got  belated  and  had 
been  kept  over  night  in  a  stable  in  Sixth  street,  New 
York,  where  the  cattle  market  then  was.  These  cows 
sickened  with  lung  fever,  and  infected  his  large  herd  (»f 
100  head,  25  of  which  died  in  rapid  succession,  and  19 
more  slowly.    He  was  left  witli  but  60  head  out  of  a  herd, 


1 6  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

after  purchase  of  the  four,  of  104  animals,  and  honorably 
declined  to  sell  the  survivors  at  high  prices  to  his  unsus- 
pecting neighbors,  but  sold  a  number  at  half  price  to  a 
Brooklyn  milkman,  who  already  had  the  disease  in  his 
herd,  and  knew  all  the  circumstances. 

(t;)  Twelve  years  ago  (1867)  Lawrence  Ansert,  Broad- 
way and  Ridge  si,  Astoria,  bought  of  a  dealer  two  cows 
which  soon  after  sickened  and  died,  and  infected  the  re- 
mainder of  his  herd  of  18.  Eight  of  them  died  of  the 
disease,  and  he  fattened  and  killed  the  remaining  ten, 
and  began  anew  with  fresh  premises  and  stock.  He  has 
lost  none  since. 

(/)  The  next  case,  like  the  last,  affords  a  most  instruct- 
ive contrast  to  the  first  two,  as  showing  how  the  disease 
may  be  permanently  eradicated  by  proper  seclusion.  In 
1872,  Frank  Devine,  of  Old  Farm  House  Hotel,  West 
Chester,  purchased  fi'om  a  dealer  a  cow  which  soon  sick- 
ened and  died.  The  disease  extended  to  the  rest  of  his 
herd,  and  in  seven  months  he  lost  thirty-six  cows  He 
appreciated  the  danger  of  contagion,  and  began  again 
with  new  stock,  keeping  them  rigidly  apart  from  the  in- 
fected beasts  and  premises,  and  from  that  time  onward 
avoided  all  dealers  and  bred  his  own  stock,  with  the 
happy  result  that  in  the  last  six  years  he  has  not  had  a 
single  case  of  lung  fever  in  his  herd. 

These  are  but  examples  of  what  has  been  happening 
all  over  the  infected  district  for  the  last  thirty-six 
years. 

2.  Has  the  Affection  become  less  virulent  in  America  ? 

The  above  mentioned  cases  may  be  referred  to  as  a 
partial  answer  to  this  question,  yet  it  will  be  more  satis- 
factory to  adduce  some  more  recent  cases  as  showing  that 
the  lapse  of  time  has  not  modified  the  virulence  of  the 
contagion. 

{a)  The  Bliss^ille  distillery  stables  are  alleged  to  have 
contained  800  to  900  cattle  when  visited  late  in  January^ 


Virulence  in  America.  17 


1879,  by  Professors  Liantard  and  McEacliran,  whereas, 
on  the  occasion  of  my  first  visit,  February  10th,  there 
were  only  between  600  and  700,  and  up  to  the  time  they 
were  quarantined,  some  days  later,  a  largo  number  had 
been  culled  out  and  slaughtered  in  anticipation  of  State 
interference.  Of  those  that  remained  64  were  found  so 
badly  diseased  that  they  wore  killed  and  sent  to  the  offal 
dock,  while  from  100  to  150  showing  slight  symptoms, 
were  sold  for  beef.  Here  we  have  one-tenth  of  a  large 
herd  severely  attacked,  and  if  we  add  those  that  were 
picked  out  by  the  owners  in  anticipation  of  quarantine, 
and  the  infected  animals  disposed  of  for  beef,  there  is 
considerably  over  a  third  of  the  whole  that  were  under 
the  influence  of  the  disease. 

(b)  In  the  course  of  last  year  (1878),  William  Post, 
Old  Westbury,  Queens  Co.,  L.  L,  bought  a  cow  out  of  a 
passinf];  herd  that  had  been  brought  by  Levy,  a  dealer, 
from  Brooklyn  stables.  She  infected  his  whole  herd  and 
his  brother's  to  such  an  extent  that  they  had  to  slaughter 
both  herds,  and,  after  a  time,  begin  anew  with  fresh  stock. 
From  that  time,  as  before,  they  have  kept  sound. 

(c)  Mrs.  Murphy,  Brooklyn,  last  year  bought  a  cow 
from  McCabe,  a  New  York  dealer,  which  infected  all  of 
her  herd,  so  that  she  had  to  slaughter  the  whole,  and  has 
given  up  the  milk  business. 

(d)  In  January,  1879,  Mr.  Judson,  Watertown,  Conn, 
(and  Gramercy  Park  Hotel,  New  York),  bought  two  cows 
of  Heclit,  a  New  York  dealer.  They  took  ill  soon  after, 
and  infected  his  original  herd  of  ten.  All  were  placed  in 
quarantine  by  the  Connecticut  authorities,  but  were 
smuggled  off  by  Hecht  (who  had  purchased  them  at  a 
ridiculously  low  figure),  and  shipped  to  New  York,  where 
they  were  slaughtered  by  order  of  the  authorities.  This 
is  a  case  of  the  introduction  of  disease  into  a  hitherto 
sound  locality  and  State,  and  has  therefore  a  special  sig- 
nificance 


18  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

(e)  Mrs.  Kelly,  Hazleton,  Jamaica,  L.  I.,  bought  a  co^ 
from  a  "Williamsburgh  dealer  named  Brown,  in  the  lattei 
part  of  1878.  This  cow  sickened  and  died,  and  fatally 
infected  the  remaining  three  cows  of  her  herd,  so  that 
she  is  now  without  any,  and  has  resigned  the  milk  busi- 
ness. 

(/)  Mr.  "Wheelock,  Eoslpi,  L.  I.,  late  in  1878  bought 
two  cows  from  a  New  York  dealer.  They  sickened  soon 
after,  infected  the  rest  of  his  herd,  and  six  were  lost  be- 
fore the  plague  could  be  stayed. 

(g)  Mr.  Kenyon,  Eoslyn,  was  so  satisfied  it  was  not  the 
lung  fever  that  he  purchased  two  of  Mr.  W.'s  cows.  One 
of  these  sickened  and  died,  and  infected  several  others 
of  his  herd,  one  of  which  had  to  be  destroyed  by  order  ot 
the  State  authorities. 

(h)  Mr.  Gilbert  Miller,  Cantito,  Westchester  Co.,  in 
July,  1878,  took  in  a  Jersey  cow  sent  from  Motthaven  as 
a  present  to  his  son-in-law.  Three  months  later  his  herd 
was  generally  infected,  and  the  Jersey  cow  and  two 
others  died. 

(z)  The  herd  of  M.'s  sister-in-law,  Mrs.  Robertsun, 
which  was  kept  across  the  street,  sickened  in  October, 
and,  up  to  the  time  of  my  visit,  early  in  March,  five  out 
of  twelve  had  died. 

{j )  Mr.  Collins,  of  50th  street.  New  York,  had  a  Jersey 
cow  which  suffered,  in  August,  1878,  from  some  disease 
of  the  lungs  that  was  denied  to  be  the  lung  fever  by  the 
veterinarian  who  attended  her.  On  September  20th  her 
calf  was  sent  to  Solomon  Mead,  Greenwich,  Coun.,  who 
liad  agreed  to  keep  it  two  years.  The  calf  died  two 
weeks  after  arrival,  and  infected  ten  of  his  herd,  five  of 
wliich  had  died,  and  five  were  recovering  at  the  period  of 
my  visit  (March  21).  The  herd  at  that  time  numbered 
thirteen. 

(/j)  Mr.  Griffin,  Greenwich,  Conn.,  occupied  a  farm 
alongside  Mr.  Mead's,   and  had  his  herd  infected  by  a 


Virulence  in  America.  IS 


cow  which  broke  out  of  Mead's  herd  and  got,  for  a  very 
short  time,  into  his  (Griffin's).  At  the  time  of  my  visit 
Mr.  G.  had  lost  one,  and  had  two  in  course  of  apparent 
recovery.  As  he  was  just  over  the  Connecticut  line,  and 
out  of  the  jurisdiction  of  New  York,  the  sick  had  to  be 
left,  and  the  result  has  been  that  a  number  of  his  remain- 
ing herd  of  twenty-six  have  been  infected  and  have  died 
since. 

®  Mr.  Carr,  146th  street.  New  York,  had  a  cow  sent 
on  trial,  last  February,  by  Geissmann,  a  Yorkville  dealer. 
She  stood  but  one  night  in  his  stables ;  was  removed 
next  day  because  she  looked  bad,  and  another  cow  sent 
in  her  place.  Three  out  of  the  five  remaining  cows  con- 
tracted the  lung  fever,  and,  when  slaughtered  by  the 
State  authorities.  May  12th,  showed  most  extensive  dis- 
ease of  the  lungs.  Since  that  time  the  whole  herd  has 
been  slaughtered. 

(m)  Mr.  Tone,  114th  street,  New  York,  purchased  a 
cow  of  Kramer,  a  New  York  dealer,  early  in  October, 
1878.  She  took  ill  and  finally  died  in  February,  1879. 
At  the  time  of  our  visit.  May  14th,  two  other  of  his  cows 
were  sufi'ering  from  the  lung  plague  in  a  chronic  form, 
and  their  destruction  had  to  be  ordered  for  the  protec- 
tion of  the  herd. 

(n)  About  January  1st,  1879,  Isaac  Billard,  dealer,  of 
Cutchogue,  L.  I.,  took  a  drove  of  112  calves  and  year- 
lings from  the  infected  sheep-house,  GOtli  street,  New  York 
city,  to  which  we  have  traced  a  number  of  outbreaks.  He 
sent  them  by  cars  to  Bridgehampton,  and  sold  them  to 
farmers  in  the  towns  of  Southampton  and  Eastharapton. 
In  April  a  floating  rumor  of  disease  in  these  towns 
reached  us ;  but,  on  inquiry,  its  correctness  was  denied, 
and  it  was  only  later  that  definite  information  could  be 
obtained.  May  6th  to  8th  I  visited  these  towns,  in  com- 
pany with  another  member  of  the  Veterinary  Staff,  and 
condemned  and  ordered  to  be  slaughtered  16  head  out 


20  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

of  6  herds  into  which  calves  of  the  Billard  drove  had 
been  taken.  Taking  the  first  herd  visited  as  an  illustra- 
tive case :  John  E.  White,  of  Sagg,  bought  of  Billard 
one  bull  calf,  which  sickened  soon  after,  but  apparently 
recovered,  or,  rather,  as  is  too  often  the  case,  the  disease 
subsided  into  a  chronic  form.  This  strange  calf  infected 
13  more  of  his  herd,  5  of  which  had  died  before  our  ar- 
rival, while  9,  including  the  bull  calf,  were  destroj^ed  and 
paid  for  by  the  State.  In  this  case  6  of  the  condemned 
animals  were  supposed  by  their  owner  and  his  neighbors 
to  be  in  good  health,  and  it  was  only  when  they  had  been 
destroyed,  and  the  extensive  diseased  changes  in  the 
lungs  had  been  shown,  that  they  became  convinced  that 
a  serious  blunder  had  not  been  committed.  This  is  an 
every-day  experience  with  us,  and  illustrates  how  the 
disease  is  spread  by  cattle  which  an  ordinary  observer 
would  consider  to  be  perfectly  sound. 

Since  that  date  more  of  Mr.  White's  herd  have  con- 
tracted the  disease,  and  he  is  now  left  with  but  13  out  of 
his  original  stock  of  30  cattle. 

Outbreaks  took  place  in  no  less  than  ten  different  herds 
into  which  calves  from  the  same  drove  were  taken,  and 
but  for  the  energetic  measures  adopted  in  stamping  out 
the  disease,  the  losses  in  Suffolk  County  must  have  prov- 
ed most  extensive. 

Mrs.  Erath,  73d  street,  New  York,  bought  a  cow  from 
Seaver,  a  dealer,  who  then  kept  his  cows  in  the  infected 
sheep-house,  60th  street.  This  cow  sickened  on  Febru- 
ary loth,  and  notwithstanding  active  suppressive  meas- 
ures, fi^  e  out  of  her  remaining  herd  of  nine  were  lost  be* 
fore  the  plague  was  stayed. 

Patrick  McCabe,  72d  street.  New  York,  had  five  cows 
in  1871.  He  bought  a  fresh  cow  of  a  dealer  named  Mc- 
Donald, which  sickened  six  weeks  later,  and  infected  his 
cows,  all  of  which  perished.  He  bought  four  new  cows, 
but  he  lost  the  whole  in  two  months.     Then  lie  got  a 


Virulence  in  America.  21 


fresli  stable  and  new  cows,  which  have  kept  sound  until 
the  present  year.  One  fresh  cow,  bought  this  year,  suf- 
fered, but  was  carefully  kept  apart  until  disposed  of  by 
the  State  inspectors. 

Joseph  Schwab,  149th  street  and  Southern  Boulevard, 
seven  years  ago,  bought  of  a  dealer  a  cow  said  to  have 
come  fi'om  New  Kochelle.  She  sickened  and  infected  his 
herd,  of  which  he  lost  twenty-three  in  a  few  months. 
Seven  of  the  herd  recovered.  A  year  later  he  again  be- 
gan to  buy,  but  only  from  sound  herds,  and  since  that 
time  has  escaped,  until  recently  when  an  infected  calf 
was  taken  in  from  a  dealer. 

Udell  Cohen,  14th  street.  New  York,  kept  14  cows,  and 
in  March,  1879,  bought  3  of  Jacob  Strauss,  a  dealer. 
One  of  them  was  sick  from  the  first,  but  after  a  few 
weeks  improved.  Then  two  others  sickened  and  died. 
In  June  5  others  sickened  and  the  whole  were  sold  to  a 
butcher.     Cohen  moved  to  New  Jersey  and  started  anew. 

Cases  like  these  ought  to  convince  all  that  this  disease 
is  eminently  and  most  dangerously  contagious.  No  one 
who  has  studied  the  plague  in  Europe  can  truthfully 
claim  that  it  is  less  infectious  here  than  in  the  old  world. 
What  misleads  many  is,  that  during  the  cooler  season 
many  of  the  cases  assume  a  subacute  type,  and  others 
subside  into  a  chronic  form  with  a  mass  of  infecting 
material  (dead  lung)  encysted  in  the  chest,  but  unat- 
tended by  acute  symptoms.  But  this  feature  of  the  dis- 
ease renders  it  incomparably  more  insidious  and  danger- 
ous than  in  countries  where  the  symptoms  are  so  much 
more  severe,  that  even  the  owners  are  roused  at  once  to 
measures  of  prevention.  In  moderating  the  violence  of 
its  action,  the  disease  does  not  part  with  its  infecting 
qualities,  but  only  difi'uses  them  the  njore  subtilely  in 
proportion  as  its  true  nature  is  liable  to  be  overlooked. 
A  main  reason  why  unobservant  people  fail  at  first  sight 
to  see  that  the  lung  fever  is  contagious  is,  that  the  seeds 
2^ 


22  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

of  the  disease  lie  so  long  dormant  in  tlie  system.  A 
beast  purchased  in  October  passes  a  bad  winter,  and  dies 
in  February,  after  having  infected  several  others.  She 
has  had  a  long  period  of  incubation,  and  when  the  disease 
supervenes  actively,  she  has  passed  through  a  chronic 
form  of  illness,  so  that  when  others  sicken  people  fail 
to  connect  the  new  cases  with  the  infected  purchase. 
Then,  again,  in  an  ordinary  herd  of  10  or  20  head,  the 
deaths  do  not  follow  in  rapid  succession,  but  at  intervals 
of  a  fortnight,  a  month,  or  even  more,  and  those  unac- 
quainted with  the  nature  of  the  disease  suppose  that  it 
cannot  be  infectious,  or  all  would  be  prostrated  at  once. 
Pertinent  to  this  point  are  the  following  remarks  ex- 
tracted from  a  letter  of  the  author  which  appeared  in  the 
New  York  Tribune,  March  12th,  1879  : 

"  THE  DISEASE  NEVER  ARISES  IN  THIS   COUNTRY  BUT  AS  THE 
RESULT  OF  CONTAGION. 

"  That  this  malady  is  contagious  is  shown  every  day 
in  the  course  of  our  work.  Wherever  we  find  it  existing 
in  a  herd  we  obtain  a  history  of  a  recent  purchase,  or  of 
some  other  form  of  exposure  by  which  the  herd  has 
been  infected.  To  give  illustrations  would  be  to  record 
the  whole  history  of  our  course  in  stamping  it  out  so 
far.  But  this  is  not  enough.  The  disease  is  not  only 
contagious,  but  in  this  country  it  is  only  propagated  by 
contagion.  Throughout  the  immemorial  ages  of  this, 
the  oldest  of  continents,  the  herds  of  buffalos  roaming 
over  its  plains  never  contracted  this  affection.  Yet  buf- 
falos are  susceptible  to  this  disease,  as  well  as  our  domes- 
ticated cattle.  And  if  the  buffalos  on  the  unfenced  plains 
had  once  developed  the  malady  it  would  have  remained 
as  a  permanent  plague,  as  it  has  throughout  all  historic 
periods  in  the  open  steppes  of  Eastern  Europe  and  Asia, 
since  1854  in  Southern  Africa,  and  since  1859  in  the  wide 
stock  ranges  of  Australia.  During  the  long  period  that 
has  elapsed  since  the  colonization  of  America  the  cattle 
have  been  subjected  to  all  the  conditions  of  life  that  have 
beset  them  since ;  but  until  1843,  when  an  infected  cow 


Contagion  the  One  Knoivn  Cause.  23 

was  imported  into  Brooklyn,  tlie  malady  was  unknown 
Since  that  date  it  has  never  at  any  time  been  absent  from 
Brooklyn  and  Long  Island. 

"  On  the  contrary,  Massachusetts,  which  imported  tliis 
animal  plague  in  1859,  set  herself  vigorously  to  the  work 
of  exterminating  it.  In  the  next  five  years  she  killed  and 
paid  for  over  1,000  cattle,  but  in  so  doing  she  killed  the 
contagion,  and  since  1865  has  not  known  this  disease. 
Cattle  have  lived  in  innumerable  herds  in  the  Western 
States,  subjected  to  all  possible  privations  and  to  the 
greatest  trials  in  the  way  of  travel,  crowding,  filth  and 
starvation,  but  on  no  occasion  has  this  lung  plague  been 
developed,  and  to-day  I  believe  the  cattle  of  those  States 
are  as  sound  as  are  the  buffalos  of  the  plains.  In  Europe 
this  plague  always  extends  on  the  occasion  of  any  great 
war,  and  devastates  the  countries  through  which  the 
armies  i)ass,  but  only  because  the  commissariat  parks  are 
supplied  from  infected  districts.  During  the  late  Ameri- 
can war  our  commissariat  herds  were  subjected  to  as 
great  privations,  with  the  additional  drawback  of  the 
absence  of  the  smooth-paved  roads  of  the  Old  World, 
but  the  plague  never  broke  out  in  those  herds  nor  rav- 
aged the  States  where  the  armies  were  operating.  The 
explanation  is  that  the  cattle  supplies  were  drawn  fi-om 
uninfected  regions,  and  in  the  absence  of  the  specific 
imported  disease-germ  no  abuse  was  capable  of  produc- 
ing it  in  America.  The  swill-milk  stables  of  the  West 
are  as  much  crowded,  as  filthy  and  as  ill-ventilated  as 
those  of  New  York  and  New  Jersey.  But  the  swill- 
stables  of  the  West  never  produce  this  disease,  while 
those  of  the  seaboard  into  which  the  germ  has  been  in- 
troduced are  ravaged  to  a  ruinous  extent.  If  more  ])roof 
is  wanted  of  the  purely  contagious  nature  of  the  malady, 
it  is  to  be  found  in  the  entire  absence  of  the  plague  from 
the  Highlands  of  Scotland,  the  Channel  Islands,  Brit- 
tany, much  of  Normandy,  Spain,  Portugal,  Norway  and 
Sweden.  These  places  breed  their  own  stock  and  rarely 
or  never  import  strange  cattle,  therefore  this  poison  ex- 
otic to  their  soil  has  never  gained  a  foothold.  Norway 
and  Sweden  have,  indeed,  imported  the  plague,  but 
speedily  expelled  it  by  the  only  efifectual  method  of  ex- 
terminating the  poison.     The  same  is  true  of  a  numbei 


24  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

of  other  European  nations,  as  well  as  Massacliusetts  and 
Conuecticut.  The  remark  is  as  true  to-day  of  Western 
Europe  and  America  as  it  was  a  century  ago  when  made 
by  the  immortal  Haller  of  his  own  native  Switzerland, 
that  the  disease  never  apj^ears  hut  as  tlie  result  of  the  intro- 
duction into  a  country  or  district  of  an  animal  from  an  in- 
fected place '^ 

Can  the  Boyine  Lung  Plague  be  Transmitted  by 
Mediate  Contagion  ? 

This  question  will  be  best  answered  by  adducing  a  few 
instances  of  the  infection  of  animals  otherwise  than  by 
immediate  contact.  These  will  be  arranged  under  dif- 
ferent headings  according  to  the  channel  through  which 
the  contagion  was  conveyed. 

A.  Contagion  through  the  Atmosphere. — Some  years  ago, 
the  hypothesis  was  advanced  in  England  that  this 
disease  could  not  be  conveyed  from  animal  to  animal 
by  mediate  contagion,  but  that,  in  order  to  its  transmis- 
sion, the  sick  animal  must  be  brought  into  direct  con- 
tact with  the  healthy.  It  is  difficult  to  see  how  such 
an  absolute  claim  can  be  advanced  in  the  face  of  the 
every-day  observation  that,  when  a  sick  animal  is  intro- 
duced into  one  end  of  a  stable,  the  plague  often  skips 
many  intervening  ones  to  strike  down  a  beast  near  the 
farthest  end  of  the  building.  In  such  a  case  the  air  is 
the  medium  through  which  the  virus  is  carried,  and  the 
contagion  is  unquestionably  mediate. 

The  experiments  conducted  at  the  Brown  Institution, 
in  September,  1876,  March,  1877,  and  August,  1878,  in 
which  healthy  cattle  were  exposed  to  the  emanations  from 
diseased  lungs  without  any  ill  result,  are  quoted  as  dis- 
proving contagion  through  the  air.  But  one  or  several 
failures  to  convey  a  disease  is  no  proof  that  the  disease  in 
question  is  not  contagious.  I  might  quote  the  example 
of  the  enthusiastic  non-contagionists  who  clothed  them 
selves  with  the  linen  fresh  from  tlie  bodies  of  cholorj 


Contagion  Through  Attendants.  25 


patients,  lay  with  them  in  the  same  beds,  and  even  drank 
their  blood  with  impunity.  The  results  did  not  prove 
that  cholera  was  non-virulent,  but  only  that  they  did  not 
furnish  the  conditions  necessary  to  induce  contagion 
We  now  know  that  if  they  had  experimented  with  the 
bowel  dejections  of  cholera  patients  cliolera  would  have 
been  produced,  in  aU  susceptible  subjects,  on  given  davs 
after  their  passage. 

It  seems  highly  probable  that  a  flaw  no  less  serious 
entered  into  the  experiments  conducted  at  the  Brown  In- 
stitution. If  the  emanations  from  the  lungs  of  a  sick 
animal  can  infect  a  healthy  cow  at  the  farther  end  of  a 
long  stable,  there  seems  no  good  reason  to  conclude  that 
the  fresh  lungs,  warm  fi-om  the  sick  beast,  cannot  give 
off  emanations  virulent  to  any  susceptible  animal.  This 
question  of  the  smceptMihj  of  the  healthy  animals  exposed 
is  the  first  that  suggests  itself;  and  in  the  report  of 
the  experiments  in  question  there  is  not  a  hint  that 
this  susceptibility  had  been  tested.  Had  the  animals 
that  resisted  exposure  to  the  diseased  lungs  been  after- 
wards infected  by  contaxit  with  sick  cattle,  the  claim  that 
the  lungs  could  not  convey  the  disease  after  their  removal 
from  the  body  would  have  been  rendered  much  more 
plausible.  At  present,  the  thousand  cases  of  the  convey- 
ance of  the  virus  tlirough  the  air  of  a  stable  must  be  held 
as  more  authoritative  tlian  the  three  negative  results 
from  i\\Q  diseased  lungs  at  Brown  Institution. 

B.  Contwjion  hxj  Pidmouarj/  Exiulation  Introdiwed  into 
t1i£  iVb.se.— Prof.  Baldwin,  of  Glasnevin,  informs  me  that, 
many  years  ago,  he  soaked  a  sponge  in  the  liquid  from  a 
diseased  lung  and  stuffed  it  into  the  nostril  of  a  sound 
animal,  which,  in  due  time,  showed  all  the  symptoms  of 
the  lung  fever. 

C.  Contagion  Carried  by  Attendants.— Ah  tliis  has  beon 
warmly  debated  on  the  other  side  of  the  Atlantic,  I  sliall 
record  three  cases  which  ought  of  thomselvL's  to  .scltU- 
the  qucbtiou. 


26  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

1.  In  the  winter  of  184:7-8  infected  oxen  were  unwit- 
tingly purchased  to  be  fed  on  the  farm  of  Pitcox,  East 
Lothian,  Scotland.  The  disease  spread  through  the 
whole  herd,  causing  most  extensive  losses.  The  cattle- 
man on  the  farm  was  the  son  of  the  steward  on  the  neigh- 
boring farm  of  Pleasants.  The  buildings  and  feeding- 
courts  on  the  one  farm  were  about  a  mile  and  a  half 
apart  from  those  on  the  other,  and  at  the  season  named 
the  cattle  on  the  two  places  were  closely  confined  in  their 
respective  yards.  The  man  attending  the  sick  cattle  on 
Pilcox  paid  a  weekly  Sunday  visit  to  his  parents  at  The 
Pleasants,  and  never  failed  on  such  occasions  to  go  in  to 
see  how  his  father's  cow  was  doing.  In  the  course  of  a 
few  weeks  the  father's  cow  contracted  the  plague,  and 
from  her  the  malady  spread  to  all  the  cattle  on  the  farm, 
entailiug  heavy  losses  on  the  owner. 

Here  the  cow  first  attacked  on  The  Pleasants  was  not 
an  animal  that  had  been  recently  introduced,  for  her  owner 
had  been  steward  under  the  former  tenant  several  years 
before  and  had  staid  on  under  the  new  tenant,  keeping 
the  same  cow  throughout.  A  bull  was  kept  on  the  farm, 
so  that  his  cow  was  never  taken  fi'om  the  premises. 
There  was  no  plague  in  the  district  prior  to  the  outbreak 
at  Pitcox.  The  new  tenant's  own  cows  had  never  been 
sick,  had  all  been  a  year  or  more  in  the  place  before  the 
plague  broke  out,  and  were  kept  in  a  stable  at  the  oppo- 
site side  of  the  farm  buildings,  and  about  fifty  paces  from 
where  the  steward's  cow  stood  in  a  stable  alone.  Infec- 
tion from  that  ssurce  was,  therefore,  out  of  the  question. 
Finally  the  feeding  bullocks  on  The  Pleasants  were  black 
West  Highland  cattle,  from  a  race  and  locahty  in  which 
this  disease  had  never  prevailed ;  they  came  on  the  place 
in  sound  health,  and  remained  more  than  long  enough, 
before  contracting  the  disease,  to  have  developed  the 
symptoms  of  it  had  they  brought  the  germs  in  their  sys- 
tems;  they  maintained  excellent  health  until  weeks  after 


Contagion  Through  Visitors  27 


the  steward's  cow  had  been  attacked,  and  finally  they,  as 
well  as  the  farmer's  cows,  almost  without  exception  con- 
tracted the  plague,  showing  clearly  that  they  had  not 
acquired  that  immunity  which  comes  from  a  previous 
attack  of  this  affection.  The  facts  recorded  are  vouched 
lor  by  the  author,  who  was  resident  on  The  Pleasants  at 
the  time  and  personally  watched  the  developments. 
These  facts  will  warrant  but  one  conclusion,  viz.  :  that 
the  infection  was  carried  by  the  steward's  son  who  was 
in  daily  attendance  on  the  sick  cattle  at  Pitcox,  and 
weekly  visited  his  father's  cow  at  The  Pleasants. 

2.  William  "Walker  of  Quincy,  Mass.,  was  present  at 
Squantum  when  cattle  suffering  from  Lung  Plague  were 
slaughtered  there  by  order  of  the  Commissioners.  He 
closely  examined  portions  of  the  diseased  lungs  and 
walked  through  the  blood  of  the  slain  animals.  He  then 
rode  home  a  mile  and  a  half,  went  to  his  barn  and  fed 
his  cattle.  These  in  due  time  developed  the  disease. 
He  sold  two  of  his  cattle  to  E.  B.  Taylor,  and  of  his  herd 
of  21  all  but  three  fell  victims  to  the  pestilence.  (See 
Beport  of  Cattle  Commissioners  of  Massachusetts  for 
1863). 

3.  In  February,  1879,  when  we  began  the  sfamping-out 
of  the  plague  on  Long  Island,  a  gentleman  of  the  name 
of  Ditmas  Jewel  took  a  great  interest  in  the  welfare  of 
the  suflering  milkmen,  and  visited  one  or  more  of  the 
worst-infected  stables  daily.  He  owned  one  favorite 
family  cow,  a  Jersey,  which  was  kept  alone  in  a  private 
stable,  separated  by  ample  gi'ounds  fi'om  all  adjacent 
herds.  She  was  never  removed  fi'om  these  premises,  nor 
were  other  cattle  admitted,  yet,  towards  the  end  of  March, 
she  sickened,  and  soon  perished,  presentijig  the  most 
characteristic  lung-plague  lesions. 

These  cases  are  conclusive,  as  in  no  one  instance  waa 
there  any  possibility  of  direct  contact  with  sick  animals, 
while  in  all  there  was  the  medutte  coutart  tlirougli  tlio  per- 
sons and  clothes  of  the  vi.:itors. 


28  The  Lung  Flague  of  Cattle, 

D.  Contagion  throiigh  the  Infected  Buildings, — This  form 
of  contagion  is  so  exceedingly  common  that  an  apology 
would  be  needed  for  referring  to  it  "were  it  not  for  the 
hardihood  of  some  in  denying  all  mediate  contagion.  Dis- 
tillery stables,  where  the  cattle  of  many  owners  mingle, 
soon  become  infected  in  infected  localities,  and  from  that 
time  onward  they  remain  infecting,  though  all  sick  ani- 
mals are  excluded.  Dealers'  stables  suffer  in  a  similar 
way ;  and  thus,  after  a  dealer  has  kept  an  infected  animal 
in  his  place,  he  continues  for  months  or  years  to  dissemi- 
nate cattle  that  infect  others,  though  it  may  be  impossible 
to  find  a  sick  beast  on  his  premises  at  any  time  in  the  in- 
terval.   One  or  two  cases  may,  however,  be  particularized  : 

John  Miller,  Farmingdale,  L.  I.,  traded  with  a 
Brooklyn  dealer,  January  1st,  1879,  for  a  cow,  which,  soon 
after,  fell  ill  and  died.  He  shortly  after  purchased  an- 
other cow,  and  placed  her  in  the  same  stable,  but  she 
also  sickened  and  died.  After  this,  he  placed  a  caK  in 
the  stable,  but  this  also  perished;  and  at  present  the 
stable  remains  unoccupied. 

Mrs.  P.  Gregory,  12th  street,  Brooklyn,  had  two  cows 
and  one  calf  in  her  stable  in  the  end  of  February,  1879. 
When  visited,  one  cow  was  very  sick,  and  both  were 
destroyed,  the  stable  being  afterwards  washed  with  dis- 
infectant liquids.  The  calf  was  disposed  of  for  veal. 
Two  months  later,  Mrs.  G.  purchased  a  new  cow  from  a 
man  who  had  kept  her  as  a  family  cow  for  some  years, 
and  put  her  in  the  same  stable  in  which  the  first  had 
stood.  Ten  days  after,  she  showed  symptoms  of  disease, 
and,  when  slaughtered,  showed  the  characteristic  lesions 
of  lung  fever. 

Mr.  Addick,  Sunnyside,  near  Dutchkills,  L.  I.,  kept  on 
an  average  22  cows,  and  for  two  years  has  lost  heavily. 
Early  in  the  present  year  he  left  the  place,  and  the  stable 
was  let  to  Patrick  Hollihan,  Avho  bought  in  fresh  cows. 
bome  of  these  he  got  May  1st  of  J.  &  J.  Wheeler,  dealers 


Contagion  Through  Infected  Buildings.         29 

and  some  July  3d  of  Patrick  McCabe,  dealer.  In  both 
cases  the  fresh  cows  came  from  the  country  and  went  to 
the  stables,  with  our  permits,  furnished  after  examination. 
Aug.  19th  four  cows  were  found  to  have  the  lung  plague 
and  were  slaughtered. 

Patrick  Greene,  West  Farms,  New  York  Co.,  took  his 
present  place  in  April,  and  stocked  it  with  32  fresh  cows. 
About  May  1st  sickness  appeared  in  his  herd  and  then 
for  the  first  time  he  learned  that  his  predecessor  had 
lost  heavily  during  the  past  year.  In  compan}^  with  Dr. 
Hopkins  I  visited  his  place  May  14th  and  found  seven 
sick  cattle,  which  were  accordingly  slaughtered.  On  two 
subsequent  occasions,  four  more  diseased  cows  had  to  be 
disposed  of,  in  spite  of  the  fact  that  the  buildings  had 
been  disinfected  with  chloride  of  lime  and  carbolic  acid. 
Fumigation  of  buildings  and  animals  twice  daily  with 
the  smoke  of  burning  sulphur  was  now  enjoined,  and  up 
to  the  time  of  writing  (three  months)  no  new  case  has 
appeared. 

Messrs.  Niedlinger,  Schmidt  &  Co.,  brewers,  406  E. 
27th  Street,  New  York,  had  a  cow  die  a  year  ago  (August 
1878)  with  symptoms  implying  lung  plague.  Another 
was  put  in  the  same  stable  three  months  later,  has  done 
poorly  since,  and  Aug.  18th  was  found  to  have  lung 
plague,  and  sacrificed  accordingly. 

E.  Infection  through  the  Manure. — Mrs.  Power,  Franklyn 
Avenue,  Brooklyn,  kept  8  cows,  and  had  made  no  purchase 
since  the  autumn  of  1878.  On  March  26th  one  of  her 
cows  was  found  to  be  affected  with  lung  fever,  and  was 
killed  in  consequence.  The  only  appreciable  source  of 
contagion  was  the  manure,  which  had  been  drawn  from 
infected  city  stables,  and  spread  on  a  lot  where  these 
cows  were  turned  out  on  fine  days  for  exercise.  In  spite 
of  the  plowing  under  of  the  manure  as  soon  as  the  frost 
would  allow,  three  more  of  her  cattle  have  sickened,  and 
had  to  be  killed  May  12th.  As  further  evidence  of  the  con- 
3* 


30  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

tagious  nature  of  tlie  affection  in  this  case,  Mr.  K.,  lier 
neighbor,  who  had  visited  and  handled  her  first  sick  cow, 
has  since  lost  one  out  of  his  herd  of  eleven,  with  unequiv- 
ocal symptoms  and  lesions. 

F.  Contagion  through  Infected  Pastures. — It  is  to  an  ex- 
ample of  this  medium  of  contagion  that  Australia  owes 
her  present  bovine  lung  pestilence.  In  1859  a  short-horn 
cow  was  imported  by  Mr.  Boodle  from  England  into  Mel- 
bourne, and  was  found  to  be  affected  with  the  lung  plague. 
All  of  Mr.  Boodle's  cattle  were  killed  and  paid  for  by  pri- 
vate subscription ;  his  farm  was  then  quarantined, 
and  the  colonists  fondly  hoped  that  the  danger  had  been 
averted.  It  happened,  however,  that  a  teamster  who 
worked  his  ox-teams  on  the  streets  during  the  day,  turned 
them  into  these  proscribed  pastures  at  night  under  cover 
of  the  darkness,  and  when  later  these  animals  perished, 
they  had  already  infected  large  numbers  belonging  to  dif- 
ferent herds  and  districts.  What  was  thus  begun  by  the 
cupidity  of  the  teamster,  was  repeated  again  and  again  in 
quick  succession,  and  on  every  side,  for  the  herds  of  dif- 
ferent owners  roamed  at  large  on  the  unfenced  pastures, 
the  healthy  grazed  where  the  sick  and  infected  had  pre- 
ceded them,  and  soon  the  greater  part  of  that  immense 
island-continent  lay  in  the  grasp  of  the  relentless  pest. 

This  method  is  a  fruitful  source  of  infection  around  our 
cities  and  villages.  The  cattle  of  different  owners  are 
turned  out  in  summer  on  the  commons  and  unbuilt  lots 
of  the  city  and  suburbs,  and  even  if  herded  by  an  attend- 
ant or  staked  on  a  given  spot,  they  go  in  successive  days 
on  places  where  infected  stock  have  been  before  them, 
and  inhale  the  deadly  contagium,  from  which  the  owner 
thinks  he  has  been  carefully  guarding  them. 

"Wherever  the  practice  of  pasturing  the  cattle  of  differ- 
ent owners  on  unfenced  lots  is  allowed,  the  work  of  ex- 
terminating the  disease  is  most  seriously  retarded,  if  not 
rendered  altogether  futile,  the  expense  to  the  State  is  in- 


Mediate  Contagion,  31 

definitely  enlianced  and  prolonged,  and  the  liope  of  any 
future  riddance  of  the  pestilence  is  rendered  extremely 
problematical. 

G.  Contagion  through  Pasture  or  Fodder. — An  instance 
which  came  under  the  author's  observation  in  East 
Lothian,  Scotland,  in  the  years  from  1856  to  1862  was 
nearly  allied  to  the  above.  On  the  Beil  estate  the  deer- 
park  was  not  fully  stocked  with  game,  and  the  right  of 
pasturage  for  a  certain  number  of  cattle  was  let  yearly. 
Prior  to  the  date  mentioned  cattle  affected  with  the 
plague  had  been  placed  in  this  field,  and  after  this  the 
affection  developed  year  after  year  in  the  herds  there 
turned  out.  That  the  infection  came  from  the  field  was 
unquestionable,  as  the  stock  turned  out  on  the  deer-park 
were  often  from  farms  near  by,  where  they  had  been  kept 
all  winter  and  where  there  had  not  been  a  trace  of  the 
disease  for  years.  As  the  park  was  vacated  by  all  but 
the  deer  and  sheep  for  four  or  five  months  of  the  year,  it 
is  hardly  credible  that  the  contagium  survived  in  the  soil 
for  that  length  of  time  through  all  the  changes  of  a  Brit- 
ish winter,  and  it  seems  more  reasonable  to  conclude  that 
it  had  been  covered  up  under  great  accumulations  of 
dried  leaves,  or  in  hay  stored  for  the  use  of  the 
animals. 

In  conclusion  it  is  well  to  add  that  this  denial  of  medi" 
ate  cadtagion  is  sustained  by  but  very  few  living  veterinari- 
ans, who  cling  to  this  as  others  still  obstinately  claim  the 
absence  of  all  contagion  whatever,  direct  or  indirect. 
But  the  best  authorities,  including  Delafond,  Bouley 
Keynal,  Gerlach,  Eoloff,  Rychner,  Koll,  Lafosse,  Flem 
ing,  etc.,  etc.,  advance  the  doctrine  of  mediate  conta- 
gion as  amply  proved  and  indisputable.  Eychner  says, 
*'  The  affection  breeds  a  disease-germ — a  contagion  of  a 
volatile  nature.  That  it  attacks  the  cow  that  stands  in 
an  uncleansed,  infected  stable,  the  many  proofs  of  its  con- 
veyance  through   msn,  and   through   horses  that  have 


The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 


stood  in  stables  as  mates  with  cattle,  its  constant  exten- 
sion in  a  stable  or  in  a  herd,  and  finally  its  sure  arrest 
by  the  seclusion  of  stables  and  localities  afford  the  most 
conclusive  evidence  of  this."  (Bojatrik.)  Roll  says, 
"  Contamination  occurs  from  the  contact  of  sound  animals 
with  the  sick  on  roads,  pastures,  in  stables,  through  the 
medium  of  food,  of  straw  that  has  been  breathed  upon 
and  soiled  by  infected  beasts,  by  the  utensils  that  have 
been  used  for  the  latter  and  by  the  persons  who  have 
attended  them."  (Pathologic  und  Therapie.)  Fleming 
says,  "Healthy  cattle  have  been  contaminated  after 
being  lodged  in  stables  that  were  occupied  by  diseased 
ones  three  or  four  months  previously.  Hay  soiled  by 
sick  cattle  has  induced  the  disease  after  a  longer  period ; 
and  pastures  grazed  upon  three  months  before  have  in- 
fected healthy  stock.  The  flesh  of  diseased  animals  has 
also  conveyed  the  malady ;  and  it  is  recorded  that  the 
contagion  from  cattle  buried  in  the  ground  infected  others 
fifty  or  sixty  feet  distant."  (Veterinary  Sanitary  Sci- 
ence.) 

Vitality  of  the  Virus. 

There  is  much  difference  of  opinion  with  regard  to  the 
power  of  the  virus  to  resist  ordinary  destructive  influ- 
ences. In  many  cases  the  free  exposure  of  an  infected 
place  for  three  or  four  months  to  the  action  of  the  air 
has  purified  it  so  that  fresh  stock  have  been  introduced 
with  impunity.  On  the  other  hand,  instances  can  be  ad- 
duced in  which  cattle  have  been  infected  by  being  placed 
in  stables  in  which  sick  cattle  had  been  kept  at  least  four 
months  previously.  Other  things  being  equal,  it  will  be 
preserved  longest  where  it  has  been  dried  up  and  covered 
from  the  free  access  of  the  air.  Thus,  in  very  dry  and 
close  buildings,  in  those  having  rotten  wood-work,  or 
deep  dust-filled  cracks  in  the  masonry,  and  in  those  with 
a  closed  space  beneath  a  wooden  floor,  it  clings  with  the 


Vitality  of  the  Virus.  -  33 


greatest  tenacity.  Again,  when  the  buildings  contain 
piles  of  lumber,  litter,  hay,  fodder  or  clothing,  the  virus 
is  covered  up,  secreted  and  preserved  for  a  much  longer 
time  than  if  left  quite  empty.  In  these  last  it  is  pre- 
served just  as  it  is  in  woolen  or  other  textile  fabrics  and 
(tarried  from  place  to  place  by  human  beings. 

As  carried  through  the  air  the  distance  at  which  the 
virus  retains  its  infecting  properties  varies  much  with 
varying  conditions.  The  author  has  seen  a  sick  herd 
separated  from  a  healthy  one  by  not  more  than  fifteen 
yards  and  a  moderately  close  board  fence  of  seven  feet 
high,  and  in  the  absence  of  all  intercommunication  of 
attendants,  the  exposed  herd  kept  perfectly  sound  for  six 
months  in  succession.  On  the  other  hand,  infection  will 
sometimes  take  place  at  a  much  greater  distance  without 
any  known  means  of  conveyance  on  solid  objects.  Boll 
quotes  50  to  100  feet,  while  others  claim  to  have  seen 
infection  at  a  distance  of  200  and  300  feet.  But  it  may  well 
be  questioned  whether  in  such  cases  the  virus  had  not 
been  dried  up  on  light  objects,  like  feathers,  paper,  straw 
or  hay,  which  could  be  borne  on  the  wind.  This, 
from  being  in  thicker  layers,  would  escape  the  destruc- 
tion that  would  have  befallen  it  had  it  been  carried  in 
the  air  only  as  invisible  particles. 

Hoiv  does  the  Infection  enter  the  System  ? 

The  seat  of  the  disease,  its  progress,  and  the  results  of 
all  attempts  at  inoculation  favor  the  presumption  that 
the  virus  is  usually  taken  in  with  the  air  breathed.  Not 
(mly  are  the  lesions  concentrated  in  the  lungs,  but  they 
begin  with  cloudiness  and  swelling  of  the  smaller  air 
tubes  and  surrounding  connective  tissues.  The  exuda- 
tion into  the  interlobular  tissue,  the  congestion  of  the 
lung  tissue  itself,  and  the  implication  of  the  lung  cover- 
ing, are  secondary  phenomena.  In  other  words,  the  dis- 
ease begins  where  the  inspired  air  must  lodge  tlie  germs. 
Thus  the  inoculation  of  the  virulent  lung  products  on  dis- 


34  .       The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle, 

tant  parts  of  the  body  of  a  sound  beast  rarely  determines 
the  characteristic  lesions  in  the  lungs,  in  place  of  which 
it  induces  in  the  seat  of  inoculation  an  exudation,  less 
abundant,  as  might  be  expected  from  the  greater  density 
and  resistance  of  the  integument,  but  which  can,  like  the 
morbid  lung  products,  be  inoculated  on  sound  animals 
;^dtli  protective  effect.  It  seems  probable  that  the  poison 
is  multiplied  in  both  cases,  but  that  the  special  loose  and 
susceptible  texture  of  the  lung  renders  its  production  in- 
comparably more  abundant,  as  the  continuous  ingress 
and  egress  of  air  through  the  diseased  organ  renders  it 
immeasurably  more  infecting. 

Hoio  Long  is  a  Diseased  Animal  Infecting? 

Proof  is  wanting  as  to  the  infecting  nature  of  the  dis- 
ease during  the  incubation  stage.  If  negative  evidence 
were  of  any  value  in  a  case  of  this  kind  it  would  be  easy 
to  adduce  cases  in  which  the  removal  of  an  animal  as 
soon  as  it  showed  symptons  of  the  plague  had  apparently 
saved  the  rest  of  the  herd.  In  other  cases  the  malady 
has  been  eradicated  from  a  herd  by  careful  watching  and 
the  prompt  removal  of  every  animal  as  soon  as  sickness 
appeared.  The  period  of  greatest  virulence  is  that  at 
which  the  fever  runs  highest  and  when  the  lung  is  being 
loaded  with  the  morbid  exudation. 

But  it  must  not  be  inferred  that  wdth  the  subsidence  of 
the  fever  the  danger  is  removed.  It  is  a  matter  of  every 
day  observation  that  animals  which  have  passed  through 
the  fever,  that  are  now  thriving  well  or  giving  a  free  sup- 
ply of  milk,  and  to  ordinary  observers  would  appear  in 
pel  feet  health,  retain  the  power  of  transmitting  the  dis- 
ease to  others.  This  may  continue  for  three,  six,  nine, 
twelve  or  according  to  some  even  fifteen  months  after  all 
signs  of  acute  illness  have  disappeared.  This  is  easily 
explained  :  The  tendency  of  the  disease  is  to  interrupt 
the  circulation  in  the  most  severely  affected  parts  of  the 
luD.^ ;  this  accordingly  dies,  and  the  exudation  immedi- 


Infecting  Animals ,  Susceptibility.  35 

atelj  around  this  becomes  developed  into  a  tough  fibrous 
envelope,  which  closes  off  the  dead  mass  from  the  adja- 
cent lung  and  from  all  communication  with  the  external 
air.  The  dead  and  imprisoned  mass  now  undergoes  a 
process  of  breaking  down,  liquefaction  and  absorption, 
commencing  at  the  surface  and  slowly  advancing  toward 
the  centre.  The  encysted  portion  of  dead  lung  is  one 
mass  of  infecting  material,  and  as  it  undergoes  no  change, 
except  that  of  liquefaction,  and  exhales  at  no  time  any 
putrid  odor,  it  remains  infecting  so  long  as  it  retains  the 
solid  form.  At  the  outset  more  than  half  a  lung  may  be 
thus  encysted,  and  five  or  six  months  after  alleged  recov- 
ery we  still  find  masses  of  from  one  to  two  pounds  weight, 
waiting  for  the  slow  process  of  solution.  "Whenever  there 
are  indications  of  the  existence  of  such  encysted  masses 
the  animal  should  be  looked  on  as  infecting  and  disposed 
of  as  summarily  as  if  in  the  acute  stages  of  the  disease. 

Percentage  of  Animals  Susceptible  to  the  Disease. 

The  number  of  animals  that  contract  the  disease  by 
exposure  to  the  contagion  is  somewhat  irregular.  The 
French  Commission  of  1849  found  that  of  20  animals 
drawn  from  a  healthy  locality  and  exposed  to  infection, 
16  contracted  the  plague,  10  of  them  severely.  Twenty  per 
cent,  remained  refractory.  In  warmer  climates  the  mortal- 
ity is  greater.  Dr.  Lindley  quotes  examples  from  his  South 
African  experience,  in  which  whole  herds  of  80,  130  and 
several  hundred  died  without  exception.  We  find  ap- 
proximate results  in  the  hot  summer  of  New  York,  and 
a  reference  to  cases  quoted  above  will  show  the  destruc^ 
tion  of  whole  herds  without  exception.  During  the  win:- 
ter  season  the  disease  is  far  less  violent  in  its  manifesta- 
tions and  a  greater  number  of  exposed  cattle  resist  it. 

Alleged  Insusceptibility  of  the  Digestive  Organs. 

In  1868-9  at  the  Veterinary  College  at  Alfort,  portions 
of  tlie  diseased  lungs  and  several  pints  of  the  liquid  ex 


36  The  Lung  Flague  of  Cattle 


pressed  from  tliem  were  administered  to  animals  without 
any  bad  result.  Even  if  we  could  rely  on  such  negative 
testimony,  they  would  be  of  slight  significance,  as  the 
food  devoured  by  the  ox  is  at  the  same  time  breathed 
upon,  and  any  existing  virus  is  likely  to  be  directly  in- 
haled. 

Animals  Susceptible. 

Unlike  the  other  great  cattle  plagues  (Rinderpest  and 
Aphthous  Fever)  this  confines  its  ravages  to  the  bovine 
genus.  Currency  has  at  different  times  been  given  to  re- 
ports of  the  infection  of  sheep,  goats  and  deer,  but  the 
transmission  of  the  malady  to  these  animals  has  never 
been  satisfactorily  proved.  In  Great  Britain  sheep  have 
mingled  in  the  fields  with  infected  cattle  for  thirty-seven 
years  without  any  observed  transmission  of  the  malady 
to  the  sheep.  The  same  is  true  of  Australia  and  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  where  the  plague  has  driven  many 
colonists  to  replace  their  cattle  by  sheep.  Goats  live  in 
a  large  proportion  of  the  stables  in  New  York  and  Brook- 
lyn, yet  we  have  never  seen  a  goat  infected.  As  respects 
deer,  the  lung  plague  prevailed  for  a  series  of  years  in 
the  deer  park  at  Biel,  Scotland,  but  the  deer  never  suf- 
fered. These,  it  is  true,  are  but  negative  proofs ;  they 
show  only  that  in  certain  climates  and  conditions  expo- 
sure fails  to  produce  infection ;  what  might  occur  in  a  dif- 
ferent environment  which  materially  modified  the  disease, 
remains  to  be  shown.  At  present  there  is  no  reliable 
testimony  that  other  animals  than  cattle  will  contract  the 
affection. 

Among  cattle  no  race,  breed  nor  age  materially  modi- 
fies the  susceptibility.  In  countries  where  the  malady 
has  prevailed  for  centuries  the  attacks  are  somewhat  less 
severe ;  but  this  holds  true  of  all  plagues  of  man  or 
beast.  In  time  the  more  susceptible  races  die  off,  and 
by  a  natural  selection  the  survivors  have  the  disease  in  a 


Immunity  After  One  Attach. — Mortality.       37 


milder  form.  Sex  gives  no  immunity;  bulls  suffer  as 
much  as  cows,  and  oxen  and  calves,  if  equally  exposed, 
furnish  no  fewer  victims  than  bulls  and  cows. 

Immunity  Confeered  by  a  First  Attack. 

Like  the  different  forms  of  variola  (small-pox,  sheep- 
pox,  cow-pox,  etc.),  rinderpest,  measles  and  scarlatina, 
the  lung  plague  is  usually  taken  but  once  by  the  same 
individual.  Some  claim  that  the  immunity  lasts  but 
about  two  years,  after  which  the  disease  may  be  con- 
tracted anew;  but  the  mass  of  evidence  goes  to  show 
that  second  attacks  are  exceptional,  and  they  are  proba- 
bly no  more  common  than  second  attacks  of  small-pox, 
measles  or  scarlatina.  The  acquired  immunity  in  infected 
districts  gives  a  special  value  to  animals  that  have  passed 
through  the  disease,  and  upon  this  are  based  the  prac- 
tices of  protective  inoculation,  and  of  the  exposure  of 
young  and  valueless  calves  to  the  infection,  that  the 
losses  from  the  plague  may  be  materially  reduced. 

Mortality. 

In  recording  the  mortality  caused  by  the  plague  the 
most  varied  figures  are  set  down  by  authors.  Much  of  the 
discrepancy  arises  from  the  point  of  view  taken.  Thus 
if  we  estimate  the  losses  as  a  percentage  of  all  the  cattle 
in  a  district,  they  will  appear  very  small  inasmuch  as  it 
is  rare  to  find  all  the  herds  affected.  Thus  Loiset  states 
the  losses  for  the  entire  bovine  race  of  the  department  du 
Nord,  France,  at  4  per  cent,  per  annum.  For  distillery 
stables,  sugar  factory  stables,  etc.,  it  was  12  per  cent., 
and  for  farms  but  2  per  cent.  This  is  accounted  for  by 
the  frequent  changes  in  the  former  and  the  inevitable  in- 
troduction of  contagion.  The  same  apphes  to  city  dairies 
where  he  found  a  mortality  of  25  or  26  per  cent.  In  the 
Nord  in  19  years  it  had  killed  212,800  beasts  of  a  total 
value  of  52,000  000  francs  (over  $10,000,000). 
4 


3»  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

Yvart,  estimating  for  infected  herds  only,  stated  the 
los.-j.es  in  Aveyron,  Oantal  and  Lozere  at  30,  40,  50,  68; 
and  even  77  per  cent.,  the  average  being  at  least  35  per 
cent. 

Gamgee  secured  records  of  88  dairies  in  the  city  of 
Edinburgh  for  the  year  1861-2  and  found  that  with  an 
average  holding  of  1830  the  plague  cut  of  1075  or  over  58 
per  cent.  The  yearly  loss  was  £14,512  ($70,000).  The 
actual  losses  in  Dublin  and  other  large  cities  were  found 
to  correspond,  those  of  London  alone  being  estimated  at 
£80,000.  The  losses  for  the  British  Isles,  computed  from 
agricultural  statistics,  the  records  of  insurance  com- 
panies, etc.,  were  close  upon  X2,000,000  ($10,000,000)  per 
annum. 

Finlay  Dunn  shows  from  the  English  Cattle  Insuranee 
Co.'s  statistics  that  from  1863  to  1866  the  losses  from  this 
plague  were  50  to  63  per  cent,  per  annum. 

In  Holland  Sauberg  records  a  yearly  loss  of  49,661 
head,  while  in  Wurtenberg  it  amounted  to  39  per  cent. 

Mr.  Lindley's  observations  in  South  Africa  show  that 
in  that  hot,  dry  climate  the  disease  was  most  virulent  even 
in  cattle  kept  in  the  open  air,  and  it  was  no  uncommon 
thing  for  entire  herds  of  several  hundreds  to  be  carried 
off  by  the  pestilence.  This  is  precisely  in  keeping  with 
what  we  see  in  the  hot  summers  of  New  York ;  the  dis- 
ease at  this  season  becomes  unusually  violent,  all  cases 
are  acute  and  run  a  rapid  and  often  fatal  course  and  it  is 
not  uncommon  to  see  a  whole  herd  swept  off  without  ex- 
ception. This  is  a  fact  of  supreme  importance  in  view  of 
the  continued  neglect  of  the  plague  in  the  more  southern 
of  our  infected  States.  Should  it  be  allowed  to  spread 
farther  south  and  west  where  the  semitropical  summers 
will  increase  its  severity  and  death  rate,  we  shall  have 
ourselves  to  blame  for  the  results,  and  can  no  longer  plead 
excuse  on  the  ground  of  ignorance. 


Incicbation,  89 


Period  of  Incubation.    Latency. 

The  time  that  elapses  between  the  receiving  of  the 
germs  into  the  system  and  the  manifestation  of  the 
earliest  symptoms  of  the  disease,  varies  greatly.  Dela- 
fond  sets  it  at  from  six  to  sixty  days,  Verheyen  from  ten 
to  sixty  days,  the  French  Commission  extends  the  period 
to  sixty-seven  days,  Reynal  has  seen  it  exceed  ninety 
days,  and  Roll  and  Gamgee  quote  from  eight  days  to  one 
hundred  and  twelve.  It  is  true  that  Gamgee  quahfies 
this  by  the  statement  that  when  an  animal  sickens  four 
months  after  purchase,  two  or  three  latent  instances  of 
the  diseases  have  preceded  the  obvious  one.  Australia, 
South  Africa  and  Norway  were  each  infected  by  cattle 
that  had  shown  a  period  of  incubation  of  three  months. 
I  have  frequently  seen  cases  in  which  cattle  have  passed 
three  or  four  months  after  the  purchase  in  poor  health, 
yet  without  cough  or  any  other  obvious  diagnostic  symp- 
tom, and  at  the  end  of  that  time  have  shown  all  the 
symptoms  of  the  lung  plague.  But,  as  such  cows  are 
considered  by  the  ordinary  observer  to  be  well,  and  as 
many  of  them  will  convey  to  the  mind  of  the  veterinarian 
nothing  more  than  unthriftiness,  we  must,  as  a  working 
rule,  accept  as  possible  an  incubation  of  three  or  even 
four  months.  All  quarantine  regulations  for  this  dis- 
ease must  be  based  on  this  occasionally  long  period  of 
latency. 

As  regards  the  real  or  regular  period,  we  may  deduce 
something  from  the  exudation  and  swelling  in  the  tail  in 
inoculated  cases.  The  average  period  is  on  the  ninth 
day,  though  it  may  appear  as  early  as  the  fifth,  or  it  may 
be  delayed  till  the  thirtieth  or  fortieth  day.  In  the  ex- 
perimental transmission  of  the  disease  by  cohabitation, 
under  the  French  Commission,  a  cough — the  earliest 
symptom-  -appeared  from  the  sixth  to  the  thirty-second 
day,  and  sometimes  continued  for  months,  thougli  no  acute 
disease  supervened. 


40  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

It  should  be  added  that  hot  climates  and  seasons 
abridge  the  period  of  latency ;  thus,  the  disease  will  de- 
velop more  rapidly  in  summer  than  in  winter,  and  in  the 
south  than  in  the  north.  Any  febrile  condition  of  the 
system  will  also  favor  its  rapid  development ;  therefore, 
symptoms  are  often  hastened  by  parturition,  by  heat, 
{cBstrum),  and  by  other  exciting  conditions. 

Symptoms. 

These  vary  in  different  countries,  latitudes,  seasons, 
altitudes,  races  of  animals  and  individuals.  They  are 
caeteris  paribus,  more  severe  in  hot  latitudes,  countries 
and  seasons,  than  in  the  cold  ;  in  the  higher  altitudes  they 
are  milder  than  on  the  plains ;  in  certain  small  or  dwarfed 
animals,  with  a  spare  habit  of  body,  like  Brittanies,  they 
appear  to  be  less  violent  than  in  the  large,  phlegmatic, 
heavy-milking,  or  obese  short-horn,  Ayrshires  and  Dutch ; 
a  newly  infected  race  or  cattle  in  a  newly  infected  coun- 
try suffer  much  more  severely  than  those  of  a  land  where 
the  plague  has  prevailed  for  ages  ;  and  finally  certain  in- 
divduals,  without  any  appreciable  cause,  have  the  disease 
in  a  much  more  violent  form  than  others  which  stand  by 
them  in  precisely  the  same  conditions. 

Sometimes  the  disease  shows  itself  abruptly  with 
great  violence  and  without  any  appreciable  premonitory 
symptoms,  resembling  in  this  the  most  acute  type  of  or- 
dinary broncho-pneumonia.  This,  however,  is  mostly  in 
connection  with  some  actively  exciting  cause,  such  as 
exposure  to  inclement  weather,  parturition,  overstock- 
ing with  milk,  heat,  etc. 

Far  more  commonly  the  symptoms  come  on  most  in- 
sidiously, and  for  a  time  are  the  opposite  of  alarming. 
For  some  days,  and  quite  frequently  for  a  fortnight,  a 
month  or  more,  a  slight  cough  is  heard  at  rare  intervals. 
It  may  be  heard  only  when  the  animal  first  rises,  when  it 
leaves  the  stable  or  when  it  drinks  cold  water,  and  hence 


Symptoms,  41 


attracts  little  or  no  attention.  The  cough  is  usually 
small,  weak,  short  and  husky,  but  somewhat  painful  and 
attended  by  some  arching  of  the  back,  an  extension  of 
the  head  upon  the  neck,  and  protrusion  of  the  tongue. 
This  many  continue  for  weeks  without  any  noticeable  de- 
viation from  the  natural  temperature,  pulse  or  breathing, 
and  without  any  impairment  of  appetite,  rumination  or 
coat.  The  lungs  are  as  resonant  to  percussion  as  in 
health,  and  auscultation  detects  slight  changes  only, 
perhaps  an  unduly  loud  blowing  sound  behind  the  middle 
of  the  shoulder,  or  more  commonly  an  occasional  slight 
mucous  rattle,  or  a  transient  wheeze.  In  some  cases  the 
disease  never  advances  further,  and  its  true  nature  is  to 
be  recognized  only  by  the  facts  that  it  shows  itself  in  an 
infected  herd  or  on  infected  premises,  and  that  the  victim 
proves  dangerously  infecting  to  healthy  animals  in  unin- 
fected localities.  It  may  be  likened  to  those  mild  cases 
of  scarlatina  which  are  represented  by  sore-throat  only, 
or  to  the  modified  variola,  known  as  chicken-pox. 

In  the  majority  of  cases,  however,  the  disease  advances 
a  step  further.  The  animal  becomes  somewhat  dull,  more 
sluggish  than  natural,  does  not  keep  constantly  with  the 
herd,  but  may  be  found  lying  alone ;  eats  and  ruminates 
more  tardily  and  less  frequently ;  breathes  more  quickly 
(20  to  30  times  per  minute  in  place  of  10  to  15) ;  retracts 
the  margins  of  the  nostrils  more  than  formerly ;  the  hair, 
especially  along  the  neck,  shoulders  and  back,  stands 
erect  and  dry ;  the  muzzle  has  intervals  of  dryness,  and 
the  milk  is  diminished.  The  eye  loses  somewhat  of  its 
prominence  and  lustre,  the  eyelids  and  ears  droop  slightly, 
and  the  roots  of  the  horns  and  ears  and  the  limbs  are 
hot  or  alternately  hot  and  cold.  By  this  time  the  tem- 
perature is  usually  raised  from  103  degrees,  Fahrenheit, 
in  the  slightest  or  most  tardy  cases  to  105  degrees  and 
upward  to  108  degrees  in  the  more  acute  and  severe. 
Auscultation  and  percussion  also  now  reveal  decided 
changes  in  the  lung  tissue. 


42  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

The  ear  applied  over  the  diseased  portions  detects  in 
some  cases  a  diminution  of  the  natural  soft  breathing 
murmur,  or  it  may  be  a  J&ne  crepitation  which  has  been 
likened  to  the  noise  produced  by  rubbing  a  tuft  of  hair 
between  finger  and  thumb  close  to  the  ear.  Where  this 
exists  it  is  usually  only  at  the  margin  of  the  diseased 
area,  while  in  the  centre  the  natural  soft  murmur  is  en- 
tirely lost.  In  other  cases  a  loud  blowing  sound  is  heard 
over  the  diseased  lung,  which  though  itself  impervious  to 
air  and  producing  no  respiratory  murmur  is  in  its  firm, 
solid  condition  a  better  conductor  of  sound  and  conveys 
to  the  ear  the  noise  produced  in  the  larger  air  tubes. 

Percussion  is  effected  by  a  series  of  taps  of  varying 
force  delivered  with  the  tips  of  the  fingers  of  the  right 
hand  on  the  back  of  the  middle  finger  of  the  left  firmly 
pressed  on  the  side  of  the  chest.  Over  all  parts  of  the 
healthy  lung  this  draws  out  a  clear  resonance,  but  over 
the  diseased  portions  the  sound  elicited  is  dull  as  if  the 
percussion  were  made  over  the  solid  muscles  of  the  neck 
or  thigh.  All  gradations  are  met  with  as  the  lung  is 
more  or  less  consolidated,  and  conclusions  are  to  be  drawn 
accordingly. 

In  other  cases  we  hear  on  auscultation  the  loud,  harsh, 
rasping  sound  of  bronchitis  with  dry,  thickened  and  rigid 
membranes  of  the  air  tubes,  or  the  soft,  coarse,  mucous 
rattle  of  the  same  disease  when  there  is  abundant  liquid 
exudation  and  the  bursting  of  bubbles  in  the  air  passages. 
In  others  there  is  a  low,  soft,  rubbing  sound  usually  in 
jerks  when  the  chest  is  being  filled  with  or  emptied  of  air. 
This  is  the  friction  between  the  dry,  inflamed  membrane 
covering  the  lungs  and  that  covering  the  side  of  the  chest, 
and  is  heard  at  an  early  stage  of  the  disease,  but  neither 
at  its  earliest  nor  its  latest  stage.  Later  there  may  be  dull- 
ness on  percussion  up  to  a  given  level  on.  one  or  both 
sides  of  the  chest,  implying  accumulations  of  liquid  in 
the  cavity.     Or  there  is  a  superficial  dullness  on  percus- 


Symptoms  43 


sion,  and  muffling  of  the  natural  breathing  sound  with  a 
very  slight,  sometimes  almost  inaudible,  creaking  due  to 
the  existence  of  false  membranes  (solidified  exudations) 
on  the  surface  of  the  lung  or  connecting  it  to  the  inner 
side  of  the  ribs.  This  is  often  mistaken  for  a  mucous 
rattle  that  can  no  longer  take  place  in  a  consolidated 
lung  in  which  there  can  be  no  movement  of  air  nor  burst- 
ing of  bubbles  in  breathing.  The  mucous  rattle  is  only- 
possible  with  considerable  liquid  exudation  into  the 
bronchial  tubes  and  a  healthly,  dilatable  condition  of  the 
portion  of  lung  to  which  these  lead.  In  rare  cases  there 
will  be  splashing  sounds  in  the  chest,  or  when  the  patient 
has  just  risen  to  his  feet  a  succession  of  clear  ringing 
sounds  becoming  less  numerous  and  with  longer  intervals 
until  they  die  away  altogether.  These  are  due  to  the 
falling  of  drops  of  liquid  from  shreds  of  false  membrane 
in  the  upper  part  of  the  chest  through  an  accumulation 
of  gas  into  a  collection  of  liquid  below.  It  has  been  lik- 
ened to  the  noise  of  drops  falling  from  the  bung-hole  into 
a  cask  half-filled  with  liquid.  Peculiar  sounds  are  some- 
times heard  as  wheezing  in  connection  with  the  superven- 
tion of  emphysema  and  others  which  it  is  needless  to 
mention  here. 

In  lean  patients  pressure  of  the  tips  of  the  fingers  in 
the  intervals  between  the  ribs  will  detect  less  movement 
over  the  diseased  and  consolidated  lung  than  on  the  op- 
posite side  of  the  chest  where  the  lung  is  still  sound. 

As  seen  in  America,  in  winter,  the  great  majority  of 
cases  fail  to  show  the  violence  described  in  books.  The 
patients  fall  off  rapidly  in  condition,  show  a  high  fever 
for  a  few  days,  lie  always  on  the  same  side  (the  diseased 
one),  or  on  the  breast,  and  have  a  great  portion  of  one 
lung  consolidated  by  exudation,  and  encysted  as  a  dead 
mass,  and  yet  the  muzzle  is  rarely  devoid  of  moisture, 
the  milk  is  never  entirely  suspended  and  raay  be  yielded 
in  only  a  slightly  lessened  amount  as  soon  .-^s  the  first  few 
days  of  active  fever  have  passed. 


44  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 


During  tlie  extreme  heats  of  summer,  on  the  other  hand, 
the  plague  manifests  all  its  European  violence.  The 
breathing  becomes  short,  rapid,  and  labored,  each  ex- 
piration is  accompanied  by  a  deep  moan  or  grunt,  audi- 
ble at  some  distance  from  the  animal.  The  nostrils  and 
even  the  corners  of  the  mouth  are  strongly  retracted. 
The  patient  stands  most  of  its  time,  and  in  some  cases 
"without  intermission,  its  fore  legs  set  apart,  its  elbows 
turned  out,  and  the  shoulder-blades  and  arm-bones, 
rapidly  losing  their  covering  of  flesh,  standing  out  from 
the  sides  of  the  chest  so  that  their  outlines  can  be  plainly 
seen.  The  head  is  extended  on  the  neck,  the  eyes  prom- 
inent and  glassy,  the  muzzle  dry,  a  clear  or  frothy  liquid 
distils  from  the  nose  and  mouth,  the  back  is  slightly 
raised,  and  this  together  with  the  spaces  between  the  ribs 
and  the  region  of  the  breast-bone  are  very  sensitive  to 
pinching,  the  secretion  of  milk  is  entirely  arrested,  the 
skin  becomes  harsh,  tightly  adherent  to  the  parts  beneath 
and  covered  with  scurf,  and  the  arrest  of  digestion  is 
shown  by  the  entire  loss  of  appetite  and  rumination,  the 
severe  or  fatal  tympanies  (bloating),  and  later  by  a  pro- 
fuse watery  diarrhoea  in  which  the  food  is  passed  in  an 
undigested  condition.  If  the  effusion  into  the  lungs  or 
chest  is  very  extensive  the  pallor  of  the  mouth,  eyelids, 
vulva,  and  skin  betrays  the  weak,  bloodless  condition. 
The  tongue  is  furred  and  the  breath  of  a  heavy,  feverish, 
mawkish  odor,  but  rarely  foetid.  Abortion  is  a  common 
result  in  pregnant  cows. 

Course.    Termination. 

In  summer,  when  the  disease  shows  its  greatest  vio- 
lence, the  mortality  is  not  only  high,  but  early.  Cattle 
will  die  after  a  few  days'  illness  from  the  great  prostra- 
tion attendant  on  the  enormous  effusion  into  the  organs 
of  the  chest,  the  impairment  of  breathing  and  the  im- 
pairment or  suspension  of  the  vital  functions  in  general. 


Course. — Termination.  45 

Others  die  early  from  distension  of  the  paunch  with  gas. 
In  others,  still,  the  profuse  scouring  helps  to  speedily 
wear  out  the  vital  powers.  In  severe  cases,  that  survive 
for  some  time,  the  rapid  loss  of  flesh  is  most  surprising.  A 
loss  of  one-third  of  the  weight  in  a  single  week  is  by  iv  > 
means  uncommon,  and  even  one-half  may  be  parted  Avith 
in  the  same  length  of  time  in  extreme  cases. 

In  fatal  cases,  with  a  moderately  rapid  course,  all  the 
symptoms  become  more  intense  for  several  weeks,  the 
pulse  becomes  more  and  more  small,  weak  and  ac- 
celerated and  finally  imperceptible,  the  breathing  be- 
comes rapid  and  difficult,  the  mucous  membranes  of  the 
mouth,  eyes,  etc.,  become  pale  and  bloodless,  emaciation 
goes  on  with  active  strides  and  death  ensues  in  from  two 
to  six  weeks. 

In  other  cases  and  es23ecially  in  cold  and  dry  weather 
a  portion  of  dead  lung  may  remain  encysted  in  the  chest, 
submitting  to  slow  liquefaction  and  removal,  and  such 
animals  will  go  on  for  months  doing  badly,  only  to  sink 
at  last  into  such  a  state  of  debility  that  death  ensues 
from  exhaustion  and  weakness. 

In  others,  still,  the  retention  of  such  diseased  masses 
and  the  consequent  debility,  determines  the  appearance 
of  consumption  {tuberculosis),  which  cuts  off  the  animal. 

Purulent  infection  and  rupture  of  abscesses  into  the 
chest  are  other  causes  of  death  in  this  disease,  but 
neither  of  these  has  so  far  come  under  my  notice. 

In  cases  about  to  recover,  the  symptoms  gradually  sub- 
side, life  and  appetite  are  re-acquired,  and  a  more  or  less 
rapid  recovery  takes  place.  In  the  most  favorable  the 
exudations  are  slowly  re-absorbed  and  the  lung  may  be 
restored  to  its  natural  state.  In  others,  the  exudation, 
which  is  mostly  in  the  interlobular  tissue,  becomes  in 
part  organized  into  fibrous  material  which,  in  contract- 
ing, compresses  the  lobules  of  lung  tissue,  lessening  their 
capacity  for  dilation,  and  leaving  the  animal  short-wind- 
ed  and  predisposed    to    emphysema    and    other    lungf 


46  The  Lung  Flagiie  of  Cattle. 

troubles.     If   kept  quiet,  such  convalescents  fatten  rap- 
idly. 

Far  more  frequently,  in  this  country  at  least,  a  mass  oi 
lung  is  entirely  lost,  being  divested  of  its  vitality,  enclosed 
in  a  fibrous  cyst,  and  slowly  liquefied  and  absorbed 
through  a  course  of  several  months.  These  continue  to 
do  poorly  for  a  number  of  months  and  may  yet  entirely 
recover,  the  whole  dead  mass  having  been  finally  re- 
moved and  the  sac  having  contracted  into  a  dense  fibrous 
structure.  Even  in  this  case  if  the  patient  has  been  able 
to  bear  up  under  the  continued  drain,  and  has  escaped 
consumption  and  other  risks,  it  may  finally  be  successfully 
fattened. 

Appearances  of  the  Chest  and  Lungs  after  Death. 

If  the  disease  is  seen  in  its  earliest  stages  the  changes 
are  altogether  confined  to  the  tissue  of  the  lung.  From 
the  examination  of  the  lungs  of  several  hundred  diseased 
animals  I  can  confidently  afiirm  that  the  implication  of 
the  serous  covering  of  the  lung  (pleura)  is  a  secondary 
result.  In  all  the  most  recent  cases  we  find  the  lung 
substance  involved  and  the  pleura  sound,  while  in  no  one 
instance  has  the  pleura  been  found  diseased  to  the  exclu- 
sion of  the  lung  tissue,  or  without  an  amount  and  char- 
acter of  lung  disease  which  implied  priority  of  occurrence 
for  that.  Yet  in  all  violent  attacks  the  disease  will  have 
proceeded  far  enough  to  secure  implication  of  the  pleura 
as  well,  and  hence  we  may  describe  the  changes  in  the 
order  in  which  they  are  usually  seen  when  the  chest  13 
opened. 

The  cavity  of  the  chest  usually  contains  a  quantity  of 
liquid  varying  from  one  or  two  pints  to  several  gallons, 
sometimes  yellowish,  clear  and  transparent,  at  others 
slightly  greenish,  brownish-white  and  opaque  or  even  ex- 
ceptionally slightly  colored  with  blood.  This  efiusion 
contains  cell-forms  and  granules,  and  gelatinizes  more  ni 
less  perfectly  when  exposed  to  the  air. 


Fost- Mortem  Appearances. 


On  the  surface  of  the  diseased  lung  and  to  a  less  ex- 
tent on  the  inner  side  of  the  ribs  is  a  fibrinous  deposit 
(false  membrane),  varying  fi'om  the  merest  rough  pellicle 
to  a  mass  of  half  an  inch  in  thickness,  and  in  the  worst 
cases  firmly  binding  the  entire  lung  to  the  inner  side  of 
the  chest  and  to  the  diaphragm.  These  false  membranes 
are  usually  of  an  opaque  white,  though  sometimes  tinged 
with  yellow,  and  in  the  deeper  layers  even  blood-stained, 
especially  over  an  infarcted  lung.  A  noticeable  feature 
of  these  false  membranes  and  one  that  serves  to  distin- 
guish them  from  those  of  ordinary  pleurisy  is  that  they 
are  commonly  limited  to  the  surface  of  the  diseased  por- 
tion of  lung,  or  if  more  extensive  that  portion  which  cov- 
ers sound  lung  tissue  is  much  more  recent,  and  has  prob- 
ably been  determined  by  infection  from  the  liquid  thrown 
out  into  the  chest. 

In  the  lung  itself  the  most  varied  conditions  are  seen 
in  different  cases  and  at  different  stages  of  the  disease. 
The  diseased  lung  is  solid,  firm  and  resistant,  seems  to 
be  greatly  enlarged  because  it  fails  to  collapse  like  the 
nealthy  portion  when  the  chest  is  opened,  is  greatly  in- 
creased in  weight  and  sinks  in  water.  When  cut  across 
it  shows  a  peculiar  linear  marking  (marbUng)  due  to  the 
excessive  exudation  into  the  loose  and  abundant  connect- 
ive tissue  which  separates  the  different  lobules  of  the  ox's 
lung  from  each  other.  This  exudation  is  either  clear,  and 
therefore  dark  as  seen  by  reflected  light,  or  it  is  of  a  yel- 
lowish-white, and  when  filled  with  it  the  interlobular  tis- 
sue appears  as  a  net-work,  the  meshes  of  which  vary  from 
A  line  to  an  inch  across,  and  hold  in  its  interspaces 
the  pinkish-gray,  brownish-red,  or  black  lung  tissue. 

When  only  recently  attacked  the  lung  may  present  two 
essentially  different  appearances : 

1.  Most  frequently  the  changes  are  most  marked  in 
the  interlobular  connective  tissue,  which  is  the  seat  of  an 
abundant   infiltration  of  clear  liquid,  a  sort  of  dropsy. 


48  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

while  the  lung  tissue,  surrounded  by  this,  retains  ita 
normal  pinkish-gray  color,  and  is  often  even  paler  and 
contains  less  blood  than  in  health.  It  has,  in  short,  be- 
come compressed  by  the  surrounding  exudation,  and  air 
and  blood  have  been  alike  in  great  part  expressed  from 
its  substance.  (See  Heliotype.)  This  extreme  change 
in  the  tissue  surrounding  the  lobules  and  the  compara- 
tively healthy  appearance  of  the  lobules  themselves, 
have  led  many  observers  to  the  conclusion  that  the  dis- 
ease commenced  in  this  connective  tissue  beneath  the 
pleura  and  extended  to  the  proper  tissue  of  the  lung. 
There  is,  however,  as  pointed  out  by  Professor  Yeo,  a  co- 
existent disease  of  the  smaller  air  tubes  corresponding  to 
the  lobules,  that  are  circumscribed  by  this  infiltration,  and 
there  is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  infiltration  in 
question  is  the  result  of  antecedent  changes  in  the  air 
tubes. 

2.  Less  frequently  we  find  the  lobules  of  the  lung 
tissue  presenting  the  first  indications  of  change.  The 
lobules  affected  are  of  a  deep  red  and  more  or  less  shin- 
ing, yet  tough  and  elastic.  They  do  not  crepitate  on 
pressure,  yet  they  are  not  depressed  beneath  the  level  of 
the  adjacent  healthy  lung  tissue  as  they  would  be  if  col- 
lapsed. The  interlobular  connective  tissue,  devoid  of  all 
unhealthy  exudation,  has  no  more  than  its  natural  thick- 
ness, and  reflects  a  bluish  tint  by  reason  of  the  subjacent 
dark  substance  of  the  lung.  Here  the  lung  tissue  itself 
is  manifestly  the  seat  of  the  earliest  change — congestion 
—and  the  interlobular  exudation  has  not  yet  supervened. 
Specimens  of  this  kind  may  be  rare,  but  a  number  have 
come  under  the  writer's  observation,  and  in  lungs,  too, 
that  pi'esented  at  other  points  of  their  substance  the  ex- 
cessive interlobular  exudation. 

Both  of  these  forms  show  a  tendency  to  confine  them- 
selves to  particular  lobules  and  groups  of  lobules  of  the 
lung.     They  correspond,  in  short,  to  the  distribution  oi 


Hepatization. — Lifarction.  49 


particular  air  tubes  and  blood  vessels,  as  will  be  explained 
further  on.  The  fact,  however,  is  noteworthy  as  charac- 
teristic of  this  disease,  that  it  attacks  entire  lobules,  and 
the  limits  of  the  diseased  lung  tissue  are  usually  sharply 
marked  by  the  line  of  connective  tissue  between  two  lob- 
ules, so  that  one  lobule  will  be  found  consolidated 
throughout,  and  the  next  in  a  perfectly  natural  condi- 
tion. 

The  two  forms  just  described  differ  also  in  cohesion 
and  power  of  resistance.  The  lung  saturated  with  the 
liquid  exudation  has  its  intimate  elements  torn  apart  and 
is  more  friable,  giving  way  readily  under  pressure, 
while  that  in  which  there  is  red  congestion  but  no  ex- 
tensive exudation,  retains  its  natural  elasticity,  tough- 
ness and  power  of  resistance. 

Hepatization. — ^Another  condition  of  the  diseased  lung 
tissue,  more  advanced  than  either  of  those  just  described, 
is  the  granular  consolidation  or  hepatization.  In  this  con- 
dition the  affected  regions  of  lung  are  as  much  enlarged  as 
in  the  dropsical  condition,  but  they  are  firmer  and  more 
friable,  and  on  their  cut  surface  present  the  appearance 
of  little  round  granules.  These  granules  are  not  pecul- 
iar to  the  lung  tissue  proper,  though  most  marked  on 
this ;  they  characterize  the  interlobular  connective  tissue 
as  well.  They  consist  mainly  of  lymphoid  cell  growths, 
filling  up  the  air  cells,  the  smaller  air  tubes,  the  lymph 
spaces  and  the  meshes  of  the  connective  tissue.  The 
color  of  these  portions  varies  from  a  bright  reddish-brown 
to  a  deep  red,  according  to  the  compression  to  which  the 
lung  tissue  has  been  subjected  by  the  exudation  in  the 
early  stages.     (See  Heliotype.) 

Infarction. — Another  form  of  lung  consolidation  is  of 
a  very  dark  red  or  black  and  always  implies  the  death  of  the 
portion  affected.  The  dark  aspect  of  the  diseased  lobules 
forms  a  strong  contrast  with  the  yellowish-white  interlob- 
ular tissue,  excepting  in  cases  where  that  also  becomes 
5 


50  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

blood-stained,  when  the  whole  presents  a  uniform  dark 
mass.  This  form  has  the  granular  appearance  of  that  last 
described  and  on  microscopic  examination  its  minute 
blood-vessels  are  found  distended  to  their  utmost  capacity 
with  accumulated  blood  globules.  This  black  consolidation 
is  always  sharply  limited  by  the  borders  of  certain  lob- 
ules or  groups  of  lobules  which  are  connected  with  a 
particular  air  tube  and  its  accompanying  blood  vessels, 
and  the  artery  leading  to  such  lobules  is  as  constantly 
blocked  by  a  firm  blood-clot.  The  mode  of  causation  is  this  : 
The  artery  being  in  the  centre  of  a  diseased  mass,  be- 
comes itself  inflamed.  As  soon  as  the  inflammation 
reaches  its  inner  coat  the  contained  blood  coagulates ; 
the  vein  is  usually  blocked  in  the  same  way.  The  blood 
formerly  supplied  by  the  artery  to  certain  lobules  is  now 
arrested  ;  that  in  the  capillary  vessels  of  these  lobules 
stagnates  ;  nutrition  of  the  walls  of  the  capillaries  ceases 
and  these  losing  their  natural  powers  of  selection  allow 
the  liquid  parts  to  pass  freely  out  of  the  vessels,  leaving 
the  globules  only  in  their  interior.  More  blood  continues  to 
enter  them  slowly  from  adjacent  capillaries  supplied  from 
other  sources,  and  as  this  is  filtered  in  the  same  way  by 
the  walls  of  the  vessels,  these  soon  come  to  be  filled  to 
repletion  by  the  globules  only,  and  hence  the  intensely 
dark  color  assumed.  The  color  is  often  heightened  by 
the  escape  of  blood  from  the  now  friable  vessels  into  the 
surrounding  tissue,  and  it  is  by  this  means  that  the  in- 
terlobular tissue  is  usually  stained.  (See  Heliotype.) 
This  black  hepatization,  or  as  it  is  technically  called, 
infarction,  is  an  almost  constant  occurrence  in  the  dis- 
ease as  seen  in  New  York,  and  the  death  and  en- 
cysting of  large  portions  of  lung  is  therefore  the  rule. 
If  too  extensive,  of  course  the  patient  perishes,  but  not 
unfrequently  a  mass  of  lung  measuring  four  or  six  inches 
by  twelve  is  thus  separated  without  killing  the  animaL 


Encysted  Masses,  51 


If  at  a  later  stage  we  open  an  animal  which  has  passed 
through  the  above  condition,  the  following  may  be  met 
with :  A  hard,  resistant  mass  is  felt  at  some  portion  of 
the  lung,  usually  the  lower  and  back  portion,  and  on 
laying  it  open  it  is  found  to  consist  of  dead  lung  tissue 
in  which  the  hepatized  lobules  and  interlobular  tissue, 
the  air  tubes  and  blood  vessels  are  still  clear  and  dis- 
tinct, but  the  whole  is  separated  fi-om  the  still  living  lung 
by  a  layer  of  a  white  pus-like  liquid,  outside  which  is  a 
dense,  fibrous  sac  or  envelope,  formed  by  the  develop- 
ment of  the  surrounding  interlobular  exudation.  From 
the  inner  surface  of  this  dense  cyst,  the  firm,  thick  bron- 
chial tubes  and  attending  vascular  systems  project  in  a 
branching  manner  like  dirty  white  stalactites,  and  these 
with  the  interlobular  tissue  thickened  by  its  now  firmly 
organized  exudation,  may  form  bands  extending  from 
side  to  side  of  the  cavity.     (See  engraving.) 

At  a  still  more  advanced  stage  the  dead  and  encysted 
lung  tissue  is  found  to  have  been  entirely  softened  and 
the  sac  contains  but  a  mass  of  white  liquid  debris,  or, 
still  later,  a  caseous  mass  of  its  dried,  solid  matters, 
upon  which  the  fibrous  covering  has  steadily  contracted, 
so  as  to  inclose  but  a  mere  fraction  of  its  original  area. 
In  hundreds  of  post  mortems  we  have  only  once  seen 
the  dead  and  encysted  lung  the  seat  of  putrid  decompo- 
sition, and  never  found  the  cavity  opening  into  a  pervious 
air  tube. 

There  remains  to  be  noticed  the  condition  of  the  air 
tubes  and  accompanying  vessels  in  the  diseased  lungs. 
In  all  cases  where  we  see  the  starting  point  of  the  dis- 
ease we  find  in  the  small  tubes  leading  to  the  affected 
lobules,  a  loss  of  the  natural  brilliancy  of  the  mucous 
membrane  which  has  become  clouded  and  opaque,  and 
the  tissue  beneath  it  infiltrated  and  thickened.  In  more 
advanced  cases  and  above  all,  in  those  showing  the  drop- 
sical condition  of  the  interlobular  tissue,  we  find  a  simi- 


52  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

lar  infiltration  into  the  connective  tissue  around  the  air 
tubes  and  their  accompanying  vessels,  and  in  the  liepa- 
tized  lung  this  is  always  seen  as  a  thick,  firm,  resistant 
white  material,  having  the  compressed  and  contracted 
and  often  plugged  air  tubes  and  vessels  in  the  centre. 
(See  Heliotype.)  These  thickened  masses  have  already 
been  referred  to  as  standing  out  in  stalactite  form  from 
the  inner  wall  of  the  sac  in  which  the  dead  (necrosed) 
lung  is  undergoing  solution. 

Nature  of  the  Bovine  Lung  Plague. 

That  the  plague  is  determined  by  an  infecting  material 
conveyed  from  beast  to  beast  there  can  be  no  doubt.  The 
intimate  nature  of  this  material  has  never  been  deter- 
mined. No  special  anatomical  element,  no  specific  organ- 
ism of  animal  or  vegetable  origin  has  been  detected  as 
constant  in  the  diseased  organ  and  peculiar  to  it.  Yet 
the  presence  of  a  specific  contagium  is  demonstrated  in  all 
our  experience  of  the  disease  as  above  recorded,  and  in 
the  prophylactic  value  of  inoculation  to  be  referred  to 
below.  This  infecting  material,  as  will  be  seen  by 
the  records  of  inoculation,  rarely  affects  the  lungs 
when  first  lodged  on  a  raw  surface  of  some  other  part 
of  the  body,  differing  in  this  essentially  from  most  other 
specific  disease  poisons  which  have  a  definite  seat  of  elec- 
tion in  which  their  morbid  processes  are  invariably  es- 
tablished, no  matter  by  what  channel  they  may  have  en- 
tered the  body.  Since  the  lung  plague  contagium  does 
not  usually  affect  the  lungs  when  introduced  by  some 
other  channel  it  follows  almost  of  necessity  that  when  it 
does  attack  the  lungs  it  must  have  been  introduced  into 
these  direct.  If  it  has  been  inhaled  in  the  air  it  will  fall 
upon  one  of  two  points — the  air  tubes,  or  the  air  cells — • 
and  there  begin  its  baleful  course.  This  is  exactly  in  ac- 
cordance with  the  early  lesions  as  described  above. 

1.  If  arrested,  as  it  most  commonly  will  be,  in  the  aii 


Nature  of  the  Lung  Plague.  53 


tubes,  and  if  it  attacks  most  severely  the  most  delicate 
and  susceptible  parts,  the  membrane  lining  the  smallest 
branches,  it  will  determine  the  cloudy  swelling  so  con- 
stantly seen  in  these.  As  the  deeper  layers  and  the  adja- 
cent connective  tissue  is  invaded,  the  exudation  and  cell 
})roliferation  giving  rise  to  the  extensive  thickening  of  the 
peribronchial  tissue,  as  already  described,  will  compress  the 
different  vessels  and  obstruct  the  flow  of  liquids  through 
them.  The  lymphatics  as  being  incomparably  the  most 
delicate  and  compressible  will  be  the  first  to  suffer  and 
the  obstruction  of  these  will  lead  to  engorgement  and 
dropsy  in  the  parts  from  which  they  draw  the  lymph. 
The  lymphatic  vessels  and  networks  are  marvelously 
abundant  in  the  interlobular  tissue  and  few  and  small  in 
the  lung  lobules  themselves,  hence  the  obstruction  of 
these  vessels  as  they  lead  out  from  a  given  section  of  lung 
will  lead  to  a  dropsical  effusion  into  the  interlobular  tis- 
sue while  the  inclosed  lobules  are  still  comparatively  un- 
affected. This  sufficiently  explains  the  excessive  liquid 
exudation  into  the  interlobular  spaces  without  starting 
with  the  assumption  that  this  is  the  primary  step  of  the 
disease. 

The  subsequent  congestion,  exudation  and  cell-prolifera- 
tion in  the  lobules  themselves  sufficiently  account  for  the 
changes  which  these  subsequently  undergo. 

2.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  the  infecting  material  succeeds 
in  reaching  the  air  cells  it  will,  of  course,  make  its  earli- 
est inroads  on  their  delicate  walls.  Then  will  follow  the 
early  congestion,  redness  and  consolidation  of  the  lobules, 
and,  only  later,  the  extensive  interlobular  exudation,  when 
the  disease  in  the  air  tubes  and  the  extensive  exudation 
around  them  shall  have  compressed  the  accompanying 
lymphatic  vessels.  In  this  way  is  explained  the  second 
manner  of  invasion  which  I  have  described  above. 

The  records  of  inoculation  abundantly  support  these 
views.  Though  a  number  of  experiments  record  the  oc- 
5^ 


54  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

currence  of  cough  ten  to  fifteen  days  after  inoculation, 
yet  among  the  multitudes  of  inoculated  beasts,  there  has 
been  no  evidence  of  extensive  disease  of  the  lungs  that 
can  be  demonstrated  to  have  been  of  this  nature.  The 
local  changes  in  the  seat  of  inoculation  are  like  those  met 
with  in  the  lungs  in  the  ordinary  forms  of  the  disease,  al- 
lowance being  made  for  the  natural  differences  of  struct- 
ure, and  that  they  are  specific  is  sufficiently  evidenced  by 
the  now  almost  universal  acceptance  of  the  prophylactic 
value  of  inoculation.  The  conveyance  of  the  disease 
from  an  inoculated  animal  is  by  no  means  unknown. 
We  have  seen  instances  in  which  the  plague  appeared 
to  start  in  a  stable  from  inoculated  animals,  and  a  very 
striking  instance  is  recorded  by  Eeynal  in  which  an 
inoculated  Brittany  cow  conveyed  the  affection  to  two 
others  that  stood  beside  her  in  the  stable  of  the  Alfort 
School.  There  is  therefore  every  reason  to  believe  that 
the  contagium  propagates  itself  in  whatever  tissue  of  a 
susceptible  animal  it  may  be  lodged  and  that  there  the 
morbid  processes  are  localized. 

Pkevention. 

Under  this  head  we  take  up  that  phase  of  the  affection 
which  is  vital  to  the  interests  of  America.  That  this 
plague  is  an  exotic  all  history  testifies.  That  animals 
susceptible  to  its  contagium  (buffalos)  have  existed  in 
America  for  immemorial  ages  without  a  single  instance 
of  the  spontaneous  generation  of  the  pestilence,  is  un- 
questionable. That  any  such  spontaneous  generation  of 
the  contagium  would  have  been  propagated  and  perpetu- 
ated in  the  widely  wandering  herds  of  buffalo  as  it  has 
in  the  Old  World  steppes,  the  South  African  ranges  and 
the  Australian  plains,  is  indisputable.  That  this  Old 
World  contagion  can  be  crushed  out  of  the  New  World 
States  and  driven  back  to  its  ancient  haunts  in  Europe 
and  Asia,  and  its  more  recently  conquered  territory  in 
Africa  and  Australasia,  is  equally  certain. 


Prevention  :  Its  Necessity.  55 

In  view  of  the  overshadowing  importance  of  the  ex- 
tinction of  this  and  other  imported  animal  plagues,  the 
author  cannot  be  charged  with  remissness.  For  over  a 
decade  he  has  been  continually  sounding  notes  of  alarm 
and  picturing  to  the  nation  the  terrible  and  irretrievable 
devastation  that  must  overtake  us  should  the  deadly  ex- 
otic plagues  reach  our  western  plains.  Coming  down  to 
recent  times  he  pressed  the  matter  strongly  on  New  York 
in  his  lectures  before  the  State  Agricultural  Society  in 
1877  and  1878  (see  Transactions).  He  again  brought  up 
the  subject  in  his  paper  read  before  the  Centennial  gath- 
ering of  veterinarians  at  Philadelphia  in  1876,  and  at  fre- 
quent intervals  in  the  New  York  Tribune,  the  Farmers' 
Advocate  and  the  National  Live  Stock  Journal.  The  fol- 
lowing article  from  the  National  Live  Stock  Journal  for 
March,  1878,  is  a  sample  of  these,  which  should  be  stud- 
ied to-day  by  all  legislators,  stock-owners  and  good  citi- 
zens : 

*'  The  Gkeatest  Danger  to  our  Stock.    The  Lima  Fever. 
Contagious  Pleuro-Pneumonia. 

"  The  Journal  has  frequently  called  attention  to  the  great 
dangers  that  beset  our  live  stock  from  imported  plagues 
of  foreign  origin.  During  the  past  year  the  sudden  in- 
vasion of  Western  Europe  and  England  by  the  rinder- 
pest roused  the  agricultural  community  from  their  dream 
of  safety,  and  called  forth  from  the  Treasury  an  order  re- 
markable alike  for  its  promptitude  and  good  intentions, 
and  for  the  fatal  blunders  which  rendered  it  worse  than  a 
dead  letter.  Once  more  there  seems  a  prospect  of  a  renewal 
of  these  apprehensions,  the  Kusso-Turkish  war  having  led 
to  an  extension  of  this  cattle  plague  into  Hungary,  from 
which  the  Atlantic  coast  and  Great  Britain  may  be  any  day 
infected,  owing  to  the  activity  of  the  stock  tra(ie.  Should 
this  unfortunately  take  place,  it  will  find  us  no  better  pre- 
pared than  we  were  a  year  ago,  and  our  Treasury  order,  now 
in  force,  will  freely  invite  the  disease  to  enter,  provided  it 
makes  its  advent  respectably — in  the  systems  of  blooded 
stock,  and  not  in  poor  cross-bred  animals,  which  it  would 


56  The  Lung  Plague  of  Catth 


bo  ruin  )us  to  import,  even  if  sound.  A  similar  \velcoiu3 
is  extended,  bj  implication,  to  all  those  ruminants  which 
are  devoted  more  particularly  to  luxury,  and  have  not 
been  degraded  to  such  vulgar  utilitarian  objects  as  the 
production  of  meat  or  wool.  Yet  all  ruminants  are  sub- 
ject to  rinderpest,  and  this  malady  was  carried  to  France 
in  1866  by  two  gazelles,  as  other  plagues  have  often  been 
carried  to  new  countries  by  the  privileged  blooded  stock. 

"But  we  started  out  to  notice  a  danger  which  is  no 
longer  separated  from  us  by  the  broad  barrier  of  the  At- 
lantic, and  whose  malign  presence  is  not  to  be  dismissed 
by  any  one  of  ten  thousand  contingencies,  as  is  the  case 
with  the  possible  advent  of  the  rinderpest.  This  danger 
stands  in  our  midst,  and  is  steadily  gaining  in  force  as  it 
encroaches  further  and  further,  showing  how  certain  it 
is,  if  unchecked,  to  lay  the  whole  country  under  contri- 
bution, and  inflict  most  disastrous  and  permanent  losses. 
The  lung  fever  of  cattle,  imported  into  Brooklyn,  L.  I., 
for  the  first  time,  in  1843,  in  a  European  cow,  has  never 
since  been  at  any  time  entirely  absent  fi^om  our  soil.  From 
this  center  it  has  slowly  and  irregularly  extended  over  a 
portion  of  New  York,  New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Mary- 
land, Delaware  and  Virginia,  besides  having  repeatedly 
invaded  Connecticut.  The  slowness  of  its  extension  has 
begotten  a  false  sense  of  security,  and  no  real  apprehen- 
sions of  serious  consequences  remain  from  an  animal 
poison  which  has  been  for  over  a  third  of  a  century  hid- 
den away  in  the  near  vicinity  of  the  Atlantic  coast. 

"To  disturb  this  comfortable  and  restful  condition  of 
the  public  mind  is  an  unpleasant  task,  which  nothing  but 
the  imperative  sense  of  duty  would  compel  us  to  under- 
take. But  this  disease  has  a  history,  which  we  can  only 
ignore  at  our  peril ;  and  as  its  records  can  now  be  drawn 
from  all  quarters  of  the  globe,  we  can  have  before  us  an 
unequivocal  testimony  as  to  what  will  inevitably  happen 
under  given  conditions  of  climate,  surroundings  and 
treatment. 

''England  imported  the  lung  fever  of  cattle  in  1842,  just 
one  year  before  we  did,  was  soon  very  generally  infected, 
and  has  continued  so  to  the  present  time,  tip  to  1869 
it  is  estimated  that  England  had  lost,  almost  exclusively 
from  this  disease,  5,549,780  head  of  cattL^  worth   £83,- 


Losses  in  England.  57 

616,854  (say  $400,000,000).  For  the  siicceeding  nine 
years,  up  to  1878,  the  losses  have  been,  in  the  main,  aa 
extensive,  so  that  we  may  set  them  down  as  now  reach- 
ing at  least  $500,000,000  in  deaths  alone,  without  count- 
ing all  the  contingent  expenses,  of  deteriorated  health, 
loss  of  markets,  progeny,  crops,  manure,  etc.,  disinfec- 
tion, quarantine,  etc.  With  us  no  attempts  have  been 
made  to  estimate  the  losses,  but  they  cannot  exceed  an 
inconsiderable  fraction  of  those  above  named;  and  thus 
we  have  slept  on  in  a  pleasant  dream  of  immunity. 

"It  is  even  alleged  that  the  disease  has,  in  a  great  meas- 
ure, been  shorn  of  its  virulent  power,  by  being  trans- 
planted to  the  shores  of  the  New  World,  and  that  we  may 
comfoi-t  ourselves  with  this  and  continue  to  ignore  its 
presence.  If,  on  the  other  hand,  it  can  be  shown  that 
the  difference  is  in  no  material  respect  affected  by  cli- 
mate, but  altogether  determined  by  the  surroundings,  it 
will  be  well  for  us  to  attend  to  the  facts  of  the  case,  and 
face  the  real  danger.  The  lung  fever,  which  had  really 
entered  England,  by  a  special  importation,  some  time  be- 
fore the  free  trade  act  of  1842,  was,  by  virtue  of  this  act, 
thrown  upon  her  in  constantly  accumulating  accessions. 
The  ports  at  which  the  continental  cattle  were  landed, 
and  the  markets  in  which  they  were  sold — London  (Smith- 
field  Market),  Southampton,  Dover,  Harwich,  Hull,  New- 
castle, Edinburgh,  etc. — insured  the  mingling  of  the  im- 
ported stock,  week  by  week,  with  the  native  store  cattle. 
Then,  if  they  failed  to  find  a  profitable  sale,  they  were 
sent  by  cars  to  other  and  inland  markets,  where  they 
were  again  and  again  brought  into  contact  with  numer- 
ous herds  of  store  cattle,  by  which  the  germs  of  the  dis- 
ease were  taken  in  and  carried  all  over  the  country. 

"  With  us,  on  the  other  hand,  the  disease  was  long  con- 
fined to  the  dairies  of  Brooklyn  and  New  York,  where 
the  cows  were  kept  until  they  died,  or  were  fattened  for 
the  butcher.  A  few,  doubtless,  found  their  way  to  the 
country,  and  by  these  the  disease  was  carried  to  different 
farms,  which  were  thus  constituted  centres  of  contagion 
from  which  the  adjacent  country  became  infected.  But 
any  such  movement  from  the  city  dairies  was  necessarily 
of  the  most  restricted  kind,  and  it  never  took  place  to 
any  great  distance.     It  would  have  boen  folly  tc  move  a 


58  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 


common  milch  cow,  worth  $40  to  $70,  to  the  West,  where 
she  could  be  bought  for  one-half  or  one-third  of  thai 
sum.  The  same  deterrent  condition  existed  in  the  case 
of  the  farms  on  which  the  diseased  city  cows  had  been 
brought.  Sales  were  no  doubt  occasionally  made  from 
infected  herds,  to  secure  the  apparent  value  of  an  animal 
which  the  owner  had  good  reason  to  beUeve  to  be 
doomed,  and  as  such  animals  would,  for  obvious  reasons, 
be  sent  as  far  from  home  as  possible,  this  became  a  prin- 
cipal means  of  the  formation  of  more  distant  centres  of 
contagion  and  the  wider  diffusion  of  the  malady.  But 
with  us  the  disease  has  hitherto  had  to  fight  against  the 
heaviest  obstacles — the  current  of  cattle  traffic  having 
been  almost  without  exception  from  the  cheaply-raised 
herds  of  the  "West  to  the  profitable  markets  of  the  East. 
The  exceptions  have  only  been  in  the  case  of  thorough- 
bred stock,  and  hitherto  our  Western  stock  has  escaped 
contamination  by  this  means. 

"The  wonder  is  not  so  much  that  the  plague  has  failed 
to  reach  the  West,  but  that  in  the  face  of  such  tremen- 
dous obstacles  it  has  succeeded  in  invading  all  of  the  six 
or  seven  States  that  are  now  infected.  In  Great  Britain, 
where  some  would  have  us  believe  that  the  disease  is 
more  virulent,  we  can  point  to  a  more  satisfactory  record. 
There  the  great  body  of  the  country  has  been  infected 
for  thirty-five  years,  but  the  greater  part  of  the  high- 
lands, exclusively  devoted  to  the  raising  of  cattle  and 
sheep,  has  enjoyed  the  most  perfect  immunity.  Here,  under 
nearly  all  possible  predisposing  causes  of  lung  disease  — 
altitude,  exposure,  cold,  chilling  rains  and  fogs,  the 
piercing  blasts  of  the  Atlantic  and  German  Oceans — this 
contagious  lung  disease  has  never  penetrated,  though  se- 
verely ravaging  the  lowlands  immediately  adjacent.  The 
explanation  is,  that  these  hills  support  none  but  the  native 
black  cattle,  and  other  breeds  are  never  introduced.  In 
spite  of  the  alleged  virulence  of  the  disease  in  England, 
it  has  proved  powerless  to  enter  this  magic  circle  from 
which  all  but  the  native  stock  is  excluded.  The  same 
holds  true  concerning  some  parts  of  Normandy,  Brittany, 
the  Chaunel  Islands,  Spain,  Portugal,  Norway,  Sweden, 
etc. 

"The  fact  that  the  disease  has  maintained  a  foothold 


The  Contagion,  Insidious  and  Tenacious.       59 

among  us  for  tliirtj-four  years,  and  in  spite  of  all  obsta- 
cles has  made  a  slow  but  constant  extension,  is  sufficient 
ground  for  the  gravest  apprehensions.  A  disease-poison 
which  shows  such  an  obstinate  vitality  and  such  persist- 
f)nt  aggressiveness  cannot  be  allowed  to  exist  among  us 
without  the  certainty  of  future  losses  which  will  eclipse 
those  of  Great  Britain  by  as  much  as  our  herds  of  cattle 
exceed  those  of  that  nation.  A  recent  outbreak  in  Clin- 
ton, N.  J.,  caused  by  a  cow  brought  from  Ohio,  suggests 
the  possibility  of  the  disease  having  already  reached  the 
latter  State,  an  occurrence  which  was  inevitable  sooner  or 
later,  but  the  actual  existence  of  which  must  enormously 
increase  our  dangers.  With  every  such  step  westward 
there  is  the  introduction  of  more  diseased  and  infected 
cattle  into  the  natural  current  of  the  traffic,  and  the  ear- 
lier probability  of  the  general  infection  of  all  parts  to  the 
east  of  such  ultimate  centres  of  disease.  There  is, 
further,  the  infection  of  more  cattle  cars  which,  carried 
west,  may  be  the  means  of  securing  a  rapid  extension  of 
the  plague  to  our  most  distant  States  and  Territories. 

"Kelatiye  Dangers  of  the  Poisons  of  Lung  Fever  and 
OTHER  Plagues. 

**The  persistent  vitality  of  the  lung-fever  poison,  in  com- 
parison with  that  of  any  other  animal  plagues,  is  note- 
worthy. It  has  held  a  tenacious  grasp  on  the  United 
States  for  over  a  third  of  a  century,  though  forbidden  by 
circumstances  to  make  a  wide  extension.  Aphthous  fever 
(foot  and  mouth  disease),  on  the  other  hand,  thou£>li 
twice  imported  into  Canada  within  the  last  ten  years,  and 
on  one  occasion  widely  spread  in  New  York  and  New 
England,  was  on  each  occasion  easily  and  early  extin- 
guished, and  with  little  or  no  effort  on  the  part  of  the 
States.  It  might  indeed  almost  be  said  to  have  died  out 
of  itself.  Even  the  dreaded  rinderpest  has  its  poison 
early  destroyed  by  free  exposure  to  the  air,  in  thin  lay- 
ers, at  the  ordinary  summer  temperature.  Numerous  ex- 
periments on  hides  hung  up  and  freely  exposed  in  warm 
weather,  have  shown  that  the  infecting  power  is  lost  as 
soon  as  they  are  quite  dried.  But  the  poison  of  lung 
fever  maintains  its  virulence  for  months  in  the  dry  state 


CO  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

in  buildings,  and  we  have  known  parks,  with  sheds,  that 
proved  regularly  infecting  year  after  year  to  all  cattle 
turned  into  them.  In  other  cases  we  have  known  the 
virus  carried  for  miles  on  the  clothes  of  attendants,  and 
thus  introduced  into  new  herds. 

"A  far  greater  danger  lies  in  the  lengthened  period  dur- 
ing which  the  poison  of  lung  fever  remains  dormant  in . 
the  system.  This  averages  about  three  weeks  or  a 
month,  but  may  extend,  in  exceptional  cases,  to  not  less 
than  two  or  even  three  months.  An  ox  or  a  cow  which 
has  been  exposed  to  the  contagion  may,  therefore,  be 
carried  from  one  extremity  of  the  continent  to  the  other, 
may  be  exposed  in  a  succession  of  markets,  and  may 
change  hands  an  indefinite  number  of  times,  and  be  all 
the  while  in  the  best  apparent  health,  though  infalUbly 
approaching  the  manifestation  of  the  disease,  and  for  the 
latter  portion  of  the  time  spreading  the  germs  of  the 
malady  to  others.  There  is  here  an  opportunity  for  the 
unscrupulous  to  sell  off  exposed  and  infected  animals 
without  the  purchaser  having  the  least  suspicion  of  foul 
play.  There  is  also  the  strong  probability  of  animals 
that  have  contracted  the  disease  by  accident,  in  cars  or 
otherwise,  in  passing  to  a  new  home,  mingling  mth  the 
herd  of  the  new  owner  and  infecting  them  extensively  be- 
fore there  is  a  suspicion  that  anything  is  amiss.  This 
long  period  of  incubation  after  the  animal  is  infected,  and 
the  equally  long  period  of  latency  of  the  malady  in  ani- 
mals he  has  infected,  one  or  two  of  which  only  wdll  be  at- 
tacked at  intervals  of  a  month,  lull  suspicion  as  to  the 
presence  of  contagion,  and  it  is  too  often  only  after  great 
damage  has  been  done  that  the  truth  da^^Tis  on  the 
mind. 

"  In  aphthous  fever  and  rmderpest,  on  the  other  hand, 
the  disease  shows  itself  in  fi'om  one  to  four  days  after  in- 
fection, and  the  surrounding  animals  are  so  rapidly  at- 
tacked after  the  coming  of  the  infected  stranger,  that 
there  is  no  room  for  hesitancy  as  to  the  existence  of  con- 
tagion. Nor  can  the  victims  of  these  diseases  be  carried 
far  fi'om  the  point  where  they  have  been  infected  and  dis- 
posed of  as  sound  animals,  so  that  in  the  very  vigor  and 
promptitude  of  their  action  v>'e  have  an  excellent  basis  foi 
their  restriction  and  control. 


FrobaUe  Infection  of  the  West  hy  Thorouglibreds.  61 

*'  Danger  of  Infection  in  our  Unfenced  Stock  Kanges. 

"  Ifc  is  needful  to  note  the  above-named  insidious  prog- 
ress and  stealthy  invasions  of  the  lung  fever,  and  to  con- 
trast them  with  the  more  prompt  and  open  manifestations 
of  the  other  animal  plagues,  in  order  to  show  the  great 
peril  to  which  we  are  subjected  by  the  presence  in  our 
midst  of  a  pestilence  which  literally  loalketh  in  darkness. 
Let  us  now  consider  the  prospective  infection  of  our  great 
stock  ranges.  That  this  is  inevitable,  though  slow,  at  the 
present  rate  of  progress  of  the  plague,  has  been  suffi- 
ciently shown.  That  it  might  occur  any  day  by  an  ani- 
mal infected  in  an  Eastern  farm  or  stock-yard,  or  in  a 
railroad  car  in  which  it  was  sent  for  the  improvement  of 
the  Western  herds,  must  be  abundantly  evident  to  every 
one  who  has  read  this  article.  If  we  now  add  the  fact 
that  more  than  one  thoroughbred  Ayrshire  and  Jersey  herd 
has  been  infected  with  this  disease  during  the  past  year, 
we  are  at  once  confronted  with  a  strong  probability  of  an 
early  Western  infection.  Let  us  remember  that  thorough- 
breds alone  are  carried  West  for  improvement  of  native 
herds,  and  that  a  bull  of  the  Ayrshire,  Jersey,  Holstein, 
or  short-horn  breed,  taken  from  a  herd  now  or  recently 
infected,  may  be  carried  to  any  of  our  Western  Territories 
and  mingle  for  a  month  with  the  native  herds  before  his 
own  infection  is  so  much  as  suspected ;  and  we  can  con- 
ceive how  imminent  is  the  danger  when  the  infection  has 
reached  our  Eastern  thoroughbred  cattle. 

"  To  illustrate  the  result  of  the  infection  of  our  unfenced 
stock  ranges,  I  must  quote  another  page  from  the  history 
of  this  disease  in  other  countries.  The  instance  of  Aus- 
tralia is  the  most  recent  as  well  as  the  most  striking. 
Tlie  lung  fever  was  introduced  into  Melbourne  in  ISOS, 
by  a  short-horn  English  cow,  which  died  soon  after  Innd 
ing.  Having  been  confined  to  an  inclosed  place,  there  it 
every  reason  to  believe  that  with  her  the  disease  would 
have  ended,  had  not  a  teamster  turned  his  yokes  of  oxen 
into  the  infected  park  under  cover  of  the  night.  These 
oxen  working  on  the  streets  infected  others,  the  disease 
soon  spread  to  the  open  country,  and  the  mortality  in- 
creased at  an  alarming  rate.  Vigorous  measures  for  its 
suppression  were  adopted,  thousands  of  infected  and  dis- 
6 


62  Tlie  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

eased  cattle  were  slaughtered,  but  all  proved  of  no  avail 
Not  only  were  the  free,  roaming  herds  infected,  but  so 
many  places  were  contaminated  that  it  was  soon  per- 
ceived that  help  from  this  source  was  not  to  be  expected. 
Destroy  a  whole  infected  herd,  and  you  still  left  the  in- 
fection in  the  station  from  which,  in  its  unfenced  state, 
other  herds  could  not  be  excluded,  and  where  they  were 
certain  to  take  in  the  germs  of  the  malady.  After  enor- 
mous losses  had  been  sustained  by  the  combined  opera- 
tions of  the  pest  and  the  pole-ax,  it  was  concluded  that 
the  remedy  was  worse  than  the  disease,  and  the  colonists 
reluctantly  fell  back  on  the  expedient  of  inoculation. 
This  is  based  on  the  fact  that  the  disease  is  rarely  con- 
tracted a  second  time  by  the  same  animal,  and  it  can  be 
practiced  on  all  calves  with  losses  at  the  rate  of  from  two 
to  five  per  cent,  only,  so  that  the  mortality  is  insignificant 
as  compared  with  the  thirty  to  fifty  per  cent,  which  per- 
ish where  the  affection  is  contracted  in  the  ordinary  way. 
The  great  objection  to  inoculation  is,  that  it  can  only  be 
practiced  at  the  expence  of  a  universal  diffusion  of  the 
poison,  and  of  its  maintenance  in  a  state  of  constant  ac- 
tivity and  growth.  With  such  a  universal  diffusion  of  the 
virus,  the  stock  owners  are  virtually  debarred  from  in- 
troducing any  new  stock  for  improving  the  native  breeds, 
or  infusing  new  vigor  or  stamina,  inasmuch  as  such  new 
arrivals  would  almost  certainly  fall  early  victims  to  the 
plague.  Australia,  therefore,  now  suffers  from  the  per- 
manent incubus  of  the  lung  plague,  and  can  only  import 
high-class  cattle  at  great  risk. 

"  This  is  an  occurrence  of  yesterday,  but  it  is  only  a 
repetition  of  the  immemorial  experience  of  the  steppes  of 
Russia.  There  we  find  the  same  conditions  of  great  herds 
roaming  free  over  immense  uninclosed  tracts,  and  all  the 
facilities  for  an  easy  and  wide  diffusion  of  animal  poi 
sons.  There,  accordingly,  we  find  the  home,  in  all  ages, 
of  the  animal  plagues  of  the  Old  World.  To  these  end- 
less steppes  Europe  and  European  colonies  owe  their 
fi'equent  invasions  of  lung  fever,  rinderpest,  aphthous  fever , 
and  sheep-pox.  To  these  are  to  be  charged  the  losses,  to 
be  estimated  only  by  many  thousands  of  millions,  which 
have  repeatedly  fallen  on  the  other  civilized  countries  of 
the  world.    From  these  stejipes  the  disease  has  spread  over 


Prospective  Losses.  63 

the  continent  on  the  occasion  of  every  great  European 
wai,  dating  from  the  expulsion  of  the  Goths  from  Hun- 
gary by  Attila  and  his  Huns,  in  A.  D.  376,  down  to  the 
j)resent  Turkish  war,  which  has  secured  the  extension  of 
the  rinderpest  to  Hungary  at  least.  On  these  steppes, 
too,  the  Russian  veterinarians  believe  the  rinderpest,  at 
least,  to  be  an  imported  disease  derived  from  Eastern  and 
Central  Asia,  yet  all  their  efforts  to  crush  out  this  or  the 
lung  fever,  though  receiving  the  freest  support  from  the 
Bussian  Government,  have  failed.  The  same  conditions 
exist,  to  a  large  extent,  at  the  Cape  of  Good  Hope ;  and 
there,  too,  the  lung  fever,  imported  in  1854,  has  acquired 
a  permanent  residence. 

"Preventive  Measures  Demanded. 

"Such  is  the  history.  Now  comes  the  question  preg- 
nant with  weal  or  woe  to  our  future  stock,  agricultural 
and  national  interests.  Shall  we  learn  from  the  disas- 
trous experience  of  others  and  extirpate  the  lung  plague 
from  the  United  States  while  it  is  still  possible,  or  shall 
we  sit  quietly  by  with  folded  hands  and  await  the  inevit- 
able, early  or  late,  infection  of  our  open  Western  stock 
ranges,  and  then  repeat,  for  the  benefit  of  other  nations, 
the  already  twice-told  tale  of  a  desperate  and  extrava- 
gant but  fruitless  attempt  to  suppress  a  plague  which  we 
have  criminally  allowed  to  pass  beyond  our  control? 
"With  or  without  a  prodigal  but  vain  effort  to  crush  out 
the  poison,  the  results  may  be  thus  summed  up  :  The  in- 
fection of  stock-yards,  loading-banks,  cars  and  markets, 
and  a  general  diffusion  of  the  plague  over  the  Eastern 
States.  This  would  imply  a  national  loss,  by  cattle  dis- 
ease, like  that  of  England,  but  much  more  extensive  in 
ratio  with  our  great  numbers  of  stock.  Thus  England, 
with  her  6,000,000  head  of  cattle,  has  lost  in  deaths  alone 
from  lung  fever  in  the  course  of  forty  years  over  $500,- 
000,000.  We,  therefore,  with  our  28,000,000,  should  loss 
not  less  than  $2,000,000,000  in  the  same  length  of  time, 
allowing  still  a  wide  margin  for  the  lower  average  value 
per  head  in  America.  And  this  terrible  drain  is  for 
deaths  alone,  without  counting  all  the  expenses  of  dete- 
riorated health  in  tJio  survivors,  of  produce  lost,  of  loss 


64  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 


of  progeny,  of  loss  of  fodder  no  longer  safe  to  feed  to 
cattle,  of  diminished  harvests  for  lack  of  cultivation  and 
manure,  of  quarantine  and  separate  attendants  wherever 
new  stock  is  brought  on  a  farm,  of  cleansing  and  disin- 
fection of  sheds  and  buildings,  etc.,  which  become  abso- 
lutely essential  in  the  circumstances. 

"AYe  do  not  include  the  expense  of  supervising  the 
trade,  examining  and  quarantining  the  stock  at  the  front- 
ier of  every  State,  and  of  the  disinfection  of  cars,  load- 
ing-banks, stock-yards  and  markets.  If  such  were  re- 
sorted to,  after  an  extensive  infection  of  our  Western 
herds  by  lung  fever,  the  cattle  trade  would  be  virtually 
stopped.  Thus  a  safe  quarantine  for  store  cattle  of  not 
less  than  three  months  would  be  absolutely  essential. 
Then  the  quarantine  yards  and  sheds  would  be  continual 
centres  of  infection,  and  would  require  to  be  very  exten- 
sive, thoroughly  isolated  fi'om  each  other,  and  constantly 
and  perfectly  disinfected,  the  air  as  well  as  the  solids,  to 
prevent  the  infection  of  newly-arrived  stock.  Such  an 
incubus  upon  the  trade  would  amount  to  a  virtual  prohi- 
bition. In  rinderpest,  sheep-pox,  and  aphthous  fever, 
quarantine  is  a  comparatively  simple  and  available  ex- 
pedient, as  the  disease  shows  itself  wdthin  a  week  ;  but, 
in  lung  fever,  with  the  germs  lying  unsuspected  in  the 
system  for  one  or  two  months,  a  protective  quarantine  is 
practically  impossible  wherever  an  active  cattle  trade  is 
carried  on.  Hence  in  the  countries  of  Central  and  West- 
em  Europe,  through  which  the  active  traffic  from  the 
East  is  carried  on,  a  complete  control  is  usually  main- 
tained over  rinderpest  and  sheep-pox,  while  the  people 
have  resigned  themselves  to  the  prevalence  of  lung  fever 
as  an  unavoidable  infliction.  The  same  holds  in  Great 
Britain.  Twice  within  eleven  years  has  she  crushed  out 
invasions  of  rinderpest,  and  repeatedly  has  the  same 
thing  been  accomplished  for  sheep-  pox ;  but  the  lung 
fever  is  accepted  as  a  necessary  evil,  between  which  and 
her  large  importations  of  continental  cattle  she  must 
make  a  deliberate  choice. 

"  Happily,  in  these  United  States,  we  are  as  yet  undei 
no  such  compulsion.  The  lung  fever  on  American  soil  is 
still  confined  to  the  Eastern  States  and  to  inclosed  farms, 
from  which  it  is  quite  possible  to  eradicate  it  thoroughly 


stamping  Oat  Possible.  65 


Of  this  possibility  we  have  abundant  evidence,  alike  in 
the  Old  World  and  the  NeAv.      In  several  countries  of 
A\  estern  Europe,  through  which  there  is  no  continuous 
cattle  traffic  between  nations  on  opposite  sides,  this  dis- 
ease has  been  killed  out  and  permanently  excluded  by  an 
intelligent  veterinary  sanitary  supervision.     Sweden  im- 
ported the  disease  m  Ayrshire  stock  in  1847,  but  at  once 
circumscribed  the  infected  herds  and  places,  slaughtered 
the  diseased,  disinfected  all  with  which  they  had  come  in 
contact,  and  promptly  extinguished  the  outbreak.     Den- 
mark, invaded  the  same  year  from  a  similar  source,  and 
on  several  subsequent  occasions  horn  Holland  and  En- 
gland,   as    often    quenched    the    poison    by    analogous 
measures.     Oldenburg,  Schleswig  and  Norway,  success- 
•^® Yo^^o'^''^     '^  ^^'  *^ie  importation  of  infected  Ayrshires, 
m  I808,  18o9  and  1860,  respectively,  enjoyed  a  similar 
happy  riddance,  through  the  application  of  the  same  sys- 
tem oi  suppression.     Switzerland,  long  slandered  as  the 
native  home  of  the  lung  plague,  has  at  last  awoke  to  the 
truth  ol    the  statement  of   the  immortal  Haller,   made 
more  than  a  century  ago,  that  this  disease  only  occurs 
when  an  animal  has  been  brought  from  an  infected  dis- 
trict ;    and   by  the  judicious  use  of  suppressive  meas- 
ui-es,   has   permanently   rid   the  country   of    the   pesti- 
lence and  demonstrated  that  the  Alpine  air  is  as  clear 
and  wholesome  for  beast  as  for  man. 

"In  America,  Massachusetts  and  Connecticut  have  fur- 
nished examples  equally  striking.  The  former  imported 
the  disease  m  Dutch  cattle  in  May,  1859.  In  ApriJ,  1860, 
when  It  had  gained  nearly  a  year's  headway,  an  act  was 
passed,  and  a  commission  appointed,  with  full  power  to 
extirpate  it.  After  the  slaughter  of  932  cattle,  it  was 
believed  that  this  had  been  achieved;  but  new  centres 
ot  infection  were  discovered  in  the  two  succeeding  years 
and  it  was  not  until  1865  that  the  commonwealth  was 
purged  ol  the  poison.  Since  that  year  the  lung  fever 
las  been  unknown  m  Massachusetts.  Connecticut  has 
Had  a  like  experience.  Her  proximity  to  Ne  w  York  City 
and  Long  Island  has  brought  upon  her  a  series  of  inva- 
sions; but,  profiting  by  the  experience  of  her  neighbor, 
She  has,  on  each  occasion,  grappled  successfully  with  the 
enemy,  and  driven  him  from  her  midst 


66  The  Lung  Flague  of  Cattle. 

"  What  lias  been  done  by  the  Scandinavian  nations,  by 
Oldenburg  and  Switzerland,  by  Massachusetts  and  Con- 
.ecticut,  can  be  done  by  all  of  our  Eastern  States.  On  this 
■»oint  the  teaching  of  history  is  as  unequivocal  as  on  the 
certainty  of  the  irreparable  results  if  our  open  Western 
stock  ranges  were  infected.  The  one  indispensable  pre- 
requisite to  success  is  the  vigorous  and  simultaneous  ac- 
tion of  the  various  infected  States,  and  its  persistent 
maintenance  until  the  last  infected  beast  has  disappeared 
and  the  last  contaminated  place  or  thing  has  been  puri- 
fied. It  matters  little  whether  controlled  by  State  or 
National  government,  if  vigor  and  uniformity  of  action 
can  be  secured;  but,  as  such  combined  and  unflagging 
work  is  necessary,  it  could  be  best  controlled  by  an  in- 
telligent central  authority.  The  United  States  Govern- 
ment is  as  much  called  upon  to  defend  her  possessions 
against  an  enemy  like  this^ — so  implacable,  so  relentless 
and  so  certain,  if  not  repelled,  to  lay  us  under  an  incubus 
which  will  increase  with  the  coming  centuries,  and  dwarf 
the  prosperity  to  which  we  are  entitled — as  against  the 
less  insidious  one  who  attacks  us  openly  with  fire  and 
sword.  Let  the  national  Congress  consider  this  matter 
well.  Let  every  stock-holder  press  it  upon  his  Repre- 
sentative as  a  matter  that  cannot  be  safely  ignored  even 
for  a  single  day.  Let  boards  of  agriculture,  farmers' 
clubs  and  conventions,  granges,  and  all  citizens  who  value 
the  future  well-being  of  the  nation,  unite  in  a  strong  rep- 
resentation on  the  subject.  If  the  present  Congress 
should  neglect  it,  let  citizens  make  it  a  test  question  to 
every  future  candidate  for  their  suffrages,  and  elect  only 
such  as  are  pledged  to  carry  suppressive  measures  into 
effect.  The  danger  threatens  all  classes  alike,  though 
the  first  sufferers  will  be  the  stock-owners ;  for  every  tax 
upon  production  necessarily  enhances  the  value  of  the 
product ;  and,  as  agricultural  progress  must  be  seriously 
retarded,  the  tax  will  not  fall  upon  meat  alone,  but  upon 
every  product  of  the  farm.  Nothing  can  excuse  a  con- 
tinued neglect  of  this  subject,  the  dangers  surrounding 
which  increase  from  day  to  day,  and  the  final  results  of 
which,  if  once  it  reaches  our  Western  and  Southern 
States  and  Territories,  can  only  be  computed  by  the 
prospective  increase  of  our  population  and  our  herds  of  cat- 


Probable  Losses  in  1900.  67 

tie.  For  this  is  not  like  an  evil  preying  on  our  currency, 
banking,  trade,  or  manufactures,  tlie  full  extent  of  which 
may  be,  in  a  great  measure,  seen  from  the  beginning,  and 
the  repair  of  which  may  be  at  any  time  inaugurated  by 
legislative  enactment.  The  animal  plague  only  increases 
its  devastations  as  we  increase  the  numbers  of  our  herds, 
and  threatens  soon  to  acquire  an  extension  to  which  no 
legislation  can  oppose  a  check,  and  a  prevalence  in  the 
face  of  which  the  most  desperate  efforts  of  the  nation 
will  prove  of  no  avail.  Thus,  our  cattle  are  increasing 
at  the  rate  of  13,500,000  every  ten  years,  so  that,  by  the 
end  of  this  century  they  may  be  exactly  doubled,  with  a 
prospective  loss,  if  our  Western  and  Southern  ranges  are 
mfected,  of  $130,000  000  yearly  in  deaths  alone. 

*'Tlie  choice  is  now  in  our  power.  So  far  as  we  know, 
our  stock-raising  States  and  Territories  are  still  unaf^ 
fected.  We  can  still  successfully  meet  and  expel  the 
invader;  next  year  it  may  be  too  late." 

On  April  15th,  1878,  the  New  York  Protective  Bill  be- 
came law,  but  no  practical  application  of  it  was  made 
until  the  present  year.  In  the  New  York  Weekly  Trih- 
wm  for  November  27th,  1878,  another  call  for  action  was 
made  in  connection  with  the  prevalence  of  the  disease 
around  Washington.  This  was  immediately  quoted  by 
various  English  papers  and  a  demand  was  made  for  the 
embargo  of  American  cattle.  It  was  followed  by  the  con- 
demnation at  Liverpool  of  the  cattle  shipped  in  January, 
on  the  Ontario,  from  Portland,  Maine,  by  the  institution 
of  special  inquiries  by  H.  B.  M.  Consul-General  in  New 
York,  by  the  mission  of  Professor  McEachran  on  the 
part  of  the  Dominion  Government  in  the  end  of  January, 
1878,  and  his  report  that  the  plague  existed  in  Washino-- 
ton,  Philadelphia  and  Brooklyn,  by  the  author's  commis- 
sion fi'om  Governor  Robinson,  February  6th,  and  his  re- 
port of  the  presence  of  the  plague  in  Kings  and  Queens 
counties,  on  February  9th,  and  by  the  Privy  Council  or- 
der of  the  same  date  that  all  American  cattle  should  be 
slaughtered   on   their   arrival   at    English   ports.     With 


68  The  Lung  Plagice  of  Cattle. 

characteristic  promptitude,  Governor  Robinson  delegated 
General  Patrick  as  his  representative,  and  invested  him 
with  plenary  powers  to  crush  out  the  contagion. 

This  much  may  be  allowed  as  showing  the  progressive 
steps  that  led  to  the  inauguration  of  the  present  move- 
ment for  the  extermination  of  this  disease  on  the  West- 
ern Continent  In  turning  to  consider  specific  measures 
for  the  prevention  of  the  plague  we  must  pass  the  differ- 
ent methods  under  review,  consider  which  are  adapted  to 
our  case  and  which  inapplicable,  and  make  references  to 
special  measures  demanded  by  the  the  conditions  of  par- 
ticular localities. 

1.  Pbotection  of  a  Country  against  an  Invasion  of  the 
Lung  Plague. 

(a)  Toted  Exclusion  of  Foreign  Cattle  and  their  unmanu- 
factured Products. 

In  the  above  it  has  been  conclusively  shown  that  no 
country  has  been  invaded  by  this  disease  that  has  not 
imported  cattle  from  without,  and  that  countries  like 
Spain,  Portugal,  the  Channel  Islands,  the  Scottish  High- 
lands ,  Norway  and  Sweden  that  do  not  imj)ort  but  raise 
their  own  cattle  exclude  the  pestilence  though  it  may  bo 
raging  fiercely  at  their  very  doors.  If  America  were  once 
purged  of  this  desolating  pest,  and  if  for  her  permanent 
protection  it  were  necessary  to  prohibit  all  importation 
of  cattle,  immunity  would  be  cheaply  bought  at  such  a 
price.  America  can  now  show  as  good  blood  in  her  dif- 
ferent races  of  cattle  as  is  to  be  found  in  Europe ;  but  if 
it  were  otherwise,  what  is  the  present  or  prospective 
value  of  a  Duchess  to  the  risk  entailed  on  our  30,000,000 
head  of  horned  cattle  and  their  offspring  for  all  future 
time  ? 

Of  unmanufactured  products,  hides  and  hair  are  alone 
important,  and  as  regards  both,  the  risk  is  infinitesimaL 
Yet  it  cannot  be  denied  that  the  contagium  is  preserved 


Danger  from  Western  Europe:  Quarantine,     69 

for  months  in  dried  buildings,  and  as  the  same  thing 
seems  possible  as  regards  dried  hides  and  hair,  it  would 
seem  that  to  insure  perfect  safety  it  must  be  enacted  that 
no  foreign  hides  should  be  carried  in  cars  or  other  vehi- 
cles to  be  afterwards  used  for  the  conveyance  of  cattle  or 
about  places  where  cattle  are  found,  and  that  cattle  shall 
be  rigidly  excluded  fi'om  all  tanneries  where  foreign  hides 
are  received. 

That  such  precautions  are  necessary  is  shown  by  the 
facts,  that  in  the  past  year  3,039  cattle  were  attacked  in 
38  English  counties  ;  1,522  in  23  Scotch  counties  ;  and  32 
in  5  Welsh  counties ;  that  1,932  head  are  reported  at- 
tacked in  Germany ;  that  698  are  reported  in  Holland ; 
that  in  France  the  existence  of  the  plague  is  reported 
from  the  Department  of  the  Rhine,  La  Rochelle,  Ruen, 
Iloubaix,  Bourdeaux  and  Nantes  ;  and  that  Switzerland 
and  Belgium  are  infected. 

{h)  Importation  subject  to  a  Quarantine  which  shall  insure 
Protection. 

Exeptional  cases  will  arise  when  it  seems  of  the  high- 
est importance  that  foreign  cattle  should  be  admitted. 
This  can  only  he  done  safely  after  a  quarantine  at  the 
port  of  landing  under  the  eye  of  an  expert.  The  length 
of  such  quarantine  must  be  determined  by  the  time 
that  the  seeds  of  the  plague  may  lie  in  the  system  un- 
recognized. We  have  seen  that  this  cannot  be  safely 
stated  at  less  than  three  months,  therefore,  the  quaran- 
tine rhould  last  for  this  length  of  time.  The  infection  of 
Norway  and  Australia  by  cattle  that  had  passed  through 
ail  incubation  period  of  three  months  and  of  South 
Afi'ica  after  a  period  of  three  and  a  half  months  must  set- 
tle this  period  without  appeal. 

This  having  been  represented  to  the  Treasury  Depart- 
ment an  order  was  issued,  July  19th,  1879,  imposing  a 
quarantine  of  90  days  on  all  European  cattle,  "except 
where  State  or  municipal  laws  provide  for  the  quaran- 


70  Tlw  Lung  Flagiie  of  Cattle 


tine  of  such  cattle,  and  in  such  cases  collectors  will 
permit  the  proper  officers  to  quarantine  them  in  such 
manner  as  the  State  or  municipal  authorities  require." 
This  unfortunate  exception  allows  the  State  or  munici- 
pality to  interfere  so  as  to  make  the  law  a  dead  letter. 
There  is  nothing  in  this  order  to  hinder  the  Aldermen  ol 
Brooklyn,  or  Baltimore,  from  authorizuig  thje  importation 
of  European  cattle,  subject  to  one  or  eight  days  quaran- 
tine, and  thus  maintaining  a  permanent  centre  of  infec- 
tion in  Long  Island  or  Maryland.  To  protect  the  nation 
this  law  must  be  national  and  subject  to  no  exception. 
If  Section  2,493  of  the  Kevised  Statutes  does  not  give  the 
power  to  make  it  so,  Congress  should  enact  a  law  which 
shall  be  imperative  for  every  port,  all  State  and  munici- 
pal rights  to  the  contrary,  notwithstanding.  The  coun- 
try has  too  much  at  stake  in  this  matter  to  sacrifice  it  to 
an  idea. 

(c)  Restrictions  on  Cattle  from  Neighboring  States  having 
an  Insufficient  Quarantine  or  none. 

If  we  exclude  cattle,  etc.,  from  an  infected  country  it 
follows,  of  necessity,  that  we  must  apply  the  same  rule  to 
any  country  that  has  an  unrestricted  trade  with  infected 
districts,  or  a  trade  the  restrictions  of  which  afford  no 
sufficient  protection  against  the  introduction  of  the  dis- 
ease. This  affects  the  United  States  in  two  ways  :  first, 
it  wiU  apply  to  importations  made  from  Canada  and 
Mexico,  and  second,  it  will  apply  to  the  cattle  traffic  be- 
tween the  Federal  States  themselves. 

This  matter  was  strongly  urged  on  the  Treasury  De- 
partment, and  July  11th  the  following  order  was  issued : 

*' Treasury  Department, 
*' Washington,  D.  C,  July  11th,  1879. 
"  To  the  Collector  of  Customs,  Chicago,  III.  : 

"The  instructions  of  this  department  of  February  27th, 
1879,  prohibit  absolutely,  under  the  authority  of  Section 
2,403  of  the  Revised  Statutes,  the  importation  of  neat  cat- 


Cattle  Imports  Through  Canada.  71 

tie  from  England.  It  is  stated  that  neat  cattle  have  lately 
been  imported  into  Canada  from  England,  and  then 
shipped  to  the  United  States.  You  are  hereby  insti'uct- 
od  that  on  the  arrival  at  your  port  of  any  neat  cattle  from 
Canada,  they  shall  not  be  admitted  to  duty  under  any 
conditions  unless  you  shall  be  satisfied,  first,  that  they 
^vere  not  imported  into  Canada  from  England,  directly  or 
indirectly ;  or  second,  that  if  imported  into  Canada  from 
England,  directly  or  indirectly,  they  did  not  arrive  in 
that  Dominion  within  ninety  da^^s  prior  to  their  arrival 
at  your  port.  In  no  case  shall  such  cattle  from  Canada 
be  admitted  if  you  have  reason  to  suspect  that  they  are 
affected  with  infectious  cattle  disease. 

"Very  Respectfully. 

"A.  V.  FllENCH, 

"Assistant  Secretary '* 

This  is  very  well  so  far  as  it  goes,  but  it  fails  to  meet 
the  case.  It  protects  us  against  disease  in  imported  En- 
glish cattle,  but  not  against  Canadian  cattle  that  may 
have  mixed  with  imported  cattle  in  the  same  herd  and 
thereby  contracted  disease.  Taking  into  account  the  oc- 
cult forms  of  the  disease  and  the  occasional  long  incuba- 
tion of  two  or  three  months,  security  would  demand  that 
we  should  exclude  all  cattle  that  had  within  three 
months  come  in  contact  with  English  cattle  imported 
within  six  months  of  the  arrival  of  such  Canadian  cattle 
at  an  United  States  port.  Here  we  must  allow  for  two 
successive  incubations  of  three  months  each  in  the  En- 
glish and  Canadian  cattle  respectively. 

It  is  further  deficient  in  not  imposing  a  similar  prohi- 
bition on  the  cattle  imported  from  the  other  infected 
countries  of  Europe,  and  stock  that  have  come  in  con- 
tact with  these.  At  present  we  have  the  anomaly  of 
United  States  importers  of  Dutch  cattle  having  to  sub- 
mit them  to  a  quarantine  of  ninety  days,  while  the  Cana- 
dian importer  may  introduce  the  same  animals  and  ship 
them  to  us  at  once,  free  from  all  restrictions.     Here  the 


72  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

discrimination  is  altogether  in  favor  of  the  Canadian 
importer,  who  is  virtually  offered  a  premium  upon  his 
imports.  Let  all  Canadian  cattle  importations  from  Eu- 
rope be  subjected  to  a  three  months'  quarantine  and  let 
all  cattle  that  have  come  in  contact  with  such  animala 
suffer  a  similar  detention  and  we  shall  have  meted  out  to 
them  the  same  justice  we  apply  at  home,  and  established 
a  reasonable  protectorate  over  our  native  herds.  We 
have  at  present  no  law  to  accomplish  this  ;  and,  notwith- 
standing the  best  intentions,  "  The  Treasury  Department" 
cannot  interfere  with  the  traffic  in  Canadian  cattle,  un- 
less they  have  been  imported  from  Europe  within  threo 
months.  Here  there  is  a  field  for  legislation,  and  if  Can- 
ada will  not  extend  her  quarantine  so  as  to  make  it  a 
protection  to  herself  and  us,  Congress  must  step  in  and 
forbid  the  importation  of  Canadian  cattle,  except  under  a 
quarantine  of  three  months.  As  already  remarked  of  the 
fountain — Europe — so  of  the  channel — Canada — the  Uni- 
ted States  can  better  afford  to  do  without  her  cattle  than 
they  can  risk  the  infection  of  their  home  herds. 

2.  Pkotection  of  Herds  in  Infected  Counteies  haying 
NO  Legislation. 

"While  individual  States  decline  to  stamp  out  this  pest- 
ilence, w^e  must  offer  such  suggestions  as  shall  aid  the 
citizens  to  protect  themselves.  The  following  sugges- 
tions are  submitted : 

(a)  Breed  your  own  stock. 

All  experience  with  this  plague  shows  that  it  spreads 
in  direct  ratio  with  the  changes  of  stock.  Countries  and 
districts  which,  like  the  Channel  Islands,  Denmark,  Nor- 
way and  Sweden,  breed  their  own  stock  and  never  im- 
port, preserve  healthy  herds.  Single  herds,  even,  that 
are  kept  secluded,  escape  in  the  most  plague-stricken 
countries,  though  the  disease  is  raging  all  around 
them.     It  is  the  dealer,  who  is  constantly  changing  his 


Protection  of  Private  Herds.  73 


stock,  and  those  who  buy  from  the  dealer,  that  lose  bj 
the  infection.  As  a  single  instance,  I  may  repeat  what  ac 
Irish  Earl  (Lucan)  told  me  of  his  experience.  On  his  Irish 
estates  he  lost  heavily  and  continuously,  until  he  decided 
to  exclude  all  strange  cattle  and  men.  The  moment  a 
beast  was  observed  sick  he  removed  it  from  the  herd, 
and  in  three  months  his  stock  was  healthy  and  continued 
so.  This  is  the  common  experience  of  those  who  breed 
their  own  stock,  and  instances  are  given  in  this  article  of 
its  perfect  success  in  the  plague-stricken  districts  in 
New  Zork. 

{h)  If  compelled  to  buy,  do  so  in  a  healthy  district  and 
transport  in  disinfected  cars  or  by  roads  lohere  there  loill  be 
7io  contact  with  suspicious  herds,  and  in  no  case  through  a 
district  in  luhich  infection  is  hnoion  to  exist, 

(c)  When  newly  purchased  cattle  are  taken  in,  plaice  them 
in  quarantine  in  a  safely  enclosed  barn  or  lot,  at  least  100 
paces  distant  from  all  other  cattle,  and  under  special  attend- 
ants. 

The  need  for  these  precautions  must  be  evident,  as  the 
disease  sets  in  and  makes  some  headway  before  even  a 
watchful  attendant  wiU  observe  any  signs  of  illness. 

3.  Measures  for  Kestricting  the  Mortality  of  the 
Plague  in  Generally  Infected  Districts. 

(a)  Preventive  Medication. 

In  infected  herds  much  may  be  done  to  check  the  de- 
velopment of  individual  cases,  by  the  daily  administra- 
tion of  astringent  tonics,  and  especially  if  they  are  also 
disinfectant.  In  herds  at  pasture  and  even  in  those  kept 
in  close  and  notoriously  infected  city  stables,  the  daily 
use  of  2  drachms  sulphate  of  iron  (ferric  sulphate)  has 
fi-equently,  in  our  experience,  put  a  limit  to  the  disease 
within  a  month.  If  to  the  sulphate  is  added  one  drachm 
of  carbolic  acid,  the  efficacy  will  be  increased.  The  same 
virtue  has  been  claimed  for  a  number  of  other  asti'n- 
gents  which  it  is  needless  to  mention. 


74  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

What  is  better,  because  more  prompt  in  its  action,  ia 
the  inhalation  of  the  fumes  of  burning  sulphur. 

To  Dr.  Dewar,  of  Kirkcaldy,  Scotland,  belongs  the 
credit  of  having  first  tested  this  agent  on  the  bovine  lung 
plague.  He  selected  a  city  stable  where  sickness  had 
been  continuous  for  20  years,  and  where  the  last  victim 
had  been  hauled  off  three  days  before.  He  had  the  herd 
fumigated  twice  a  day  for  half  an  hour  each  time  and 
had  no  other  case  of  sickness.  I  can  furnish  a  number 
of  similar  cases.  Patrick  Green,  West  Farms,  put  a 
large  herd  in  infected  stables  in  April  last  and  by  July 
had  lost  nine  head.  He  began  fumigating  the  remain- 
der and  has  not  lost  an  animal  since.  Timothy  Ryan, 
Eidgewood,  kept  a  herd  of  about  25  cows  and  had 
lost  20  within  a  year.  His  place  was  so  saturated  with 
the  infected  products  that  our  own  inspectors  and  vet- 
erinarians from  a  distance  concluded  that  burning  would 
be  the  only  effectual  purifier.  He  began  fumigating  June 
15th,  and  though  7  of  his  remaining  22  cows  were  fresh 
from  the  country,  he  has  not  had  a  case  of  sickness  since 
— now  three  months.  This  measure  must  be  applied  most 
thoroughly  to  be  effectual  and  cannot  be  trusted  to  check 
disease  which  has  already  seated  itself  in  the  lungs.  It 
is  only  when  the  germs  have  been  deposited  on  the  sur- 
face of  the  air  passages  and  have  not  yet  made  their  way 
deeply  into  its  substance  that  good  results  can  be  hoped 
for.  The  following  printed  instructions  are  distributed 
to  the  owners  of  infected  herds  : 

"  The  surviving  herd  should  be  shut  up  in  a  close 
building  for  half  an  hour  once  or  twice  a  day,  and  made 
to  breathe  the  fumes  of  burning  sulphur.  Close  the 
doors  and  windows,  place  a  piece  of  paper  on  a  clean 
shovel,  lay  a  few  pinches  of  Flowers  of  Sulphur  upon  it, 
and  set  it  on  fire,  adding  more  sulphur,  pinch  by  pinch, 
as  long  as  the  cattle  can  stand  it  without  coughing. 
Continue  for  a  month." 


Isolation.  75 


{b)  Isolation. 

When  a  herd  is  infected,  the  arrest  of  the  disease  can- 
not be  hoped  for  unless  the  sick  are  removed  from  the 
healthy.  The  constant  breathing  of  the  infected  air  is 
likely  to  be  much  more  deleterious  than  the  preventive 
medication  will  be  beneficial.  On  the  other  hand,  the 
prompt  removal  of  the  sick  on  the  first  appear rnce  of 
illness  will  often  succeed  in  checking  the  disease,  irre- 
spective of  any  other  measure. 

(c)  Inoculation, 

Under  this  heading  must  be  considered :  1st.  What 
inoculation  is.  2d.  Does  successful  inoculation  prove  vi- 
carious of  the  plague  ?  3d.  If  vicarious,  when  is  it  ap- 
plicable ?     4th.  In  what  conditions  is  it  to  be  condemned  ? 

Ikoculation  :    Its  Author,  Mode,  Etc. 

In  December,  1850,  Louis  Willems,  M.  D.,  of  Hassalt, 
Belgium,  son  of  a  large  distiller,  began  his  essays  on  in- 
oculation. To  determine  the  susceptibility  of  different 
animals,  he  inoculated  with  the  exudation  matter  from 
diseased  lungs  G  rabbits,  23  pea-fowls,  a  number  of  chick- 
ens, 4  dogs,  3  sheep,  7  hogs  and  2  goats,  but  in  all  the 
wounds  healed  without  any  unhealthy  action.  These 
animals  were  accordingly  set  down  as  insusceptible.  Ac* 
cidental  wounds  of  human  beings  were  equally  harmless. 
He  instituted  experiments  on  several  cattle  which  he  in- 
oculated with  the  liquids  from  healthy  lungs.  The  result 
was  only  slight  inflammation  followed  by  healing. 

He  inoculated  three  cattle,  respectively,  with  blood, 
buccal  mucus  and  intestinal  tubercle  taken  from  sick 
cows.  These  produced  but  slight  inflammation,  followed 
by  prompt  recovery. 

He  inoculated  108  cattle  with  the  pulmonary  exudation 
of  diseased  lungs.  In  a  period  averaging  fifteeen  days 
after  inoculation  a  swelling  occurred  in  most  of  these  in 
the  seat  of  inoculation,  and  though  afterwards  kept  in  ai7 


76  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

infected  stable  all  these  animals  resisted  the  disease.  ()( 
fifty  uninoculated  animals  placed  in  the  same  stables, 
seventeen  became  diseased. 

He  further  re-inoculated  ten  cattle  that  had  been  al- 
ready successfully  inoculated,  and  all  the  wounds  healed 
promptly  without  any  local  swelling  such  as  marked  the 
other  cases  from  the  tenth  to  the  thirtieth  day. 

Li  none  of  these  cases  was  there  any  indication  of  dis- 
ease of  the  lungs,  and  in  a  number  that  were  killed  these 
organs  were  found  healthy. 

He  concluded  that  when  the  virus  is  inoculated  on  a 
susceptible  animal,  "  a  new  disease  is  produced ;  the  af- 
fection of  the  lungs  with  all  its  peculiar  characters  is  lo- 
calized in  some  sort  on  the  exterior;"  and  that  thi^ 
disease  is  preservative  against  all  future  attacks  of  pleu- 
ro-pneumonia. 

Yarious  commissions  were  appointed  by  different  Eu- 
ropean Governments  to  determine  the  matter  by  experi- 
ment. The  Dutch  Commission  composed  of  the  Faculty 
of  the  Veterinary  School  at  Utrecht  reported  in  1852 
that  out  of  247  head  of  cattle  inoculated  sixteen  afterward 
contracted  the  disease,  these  being  mainly  composed  of 
such  as  had  the  least  local  swelling  in  the  seat  of  inocu- 
lation. They  reported  that  inoculation  had  "  a  power,  at 
least  temporary,  of  securing  against  the  contagion  of 
pleuro-pneumonia." 

The  Belgian  Commission,  presided  over  by  Professor 
Verheyen,  inoculated  197  cattle,  fourteen  of  which  were 
afterward  kept  in  stables  with  infected  animals  without 
'•ontracting  the  disease. 

The  French  Commission,  presided  over  by  Professor 
Bouley,  inoculated  54  cattle,  of  which  48  survived  and 
were  made  to  cohabit  with  diseased  stock.  But  one  of 
these  contracted  the  plague. 

Meanwhile  Dr.  Willems  and  54  veterinary  surgeons 
inoculated  5,301  head  of  cattle,  of  which  55  afterward 


Inoculation:  Mode.  11 


contracted  tlie  lung  plague  on  exposure  to  infection,  and 
in  periods  varying  from  the  17th  to  the  136th  day  aftei 
the  operation. 

In  England  a  commission  was  appointed  and  after  a 
series  of  experiments  in  1854^5  they  reported  ad- 
versely. 

Since  that  time  inoculation  has  been  adopted  exten- 
sively in  Europe  and  still  more  largely  in  Australia 
and  South  Africa,  until  to-day  it  is  acknowledged  by  all 
who  have  given  attention  to  the  subject  that  for  the  indi- 
vidual animal,  it  is  as  surely  protective  as  is  vaccination 
for  small-pox,  and  that  attacks  of  lung  plague  after  suc- 
cessful inoculation  are  little  if  at  all  more  frequent  than 
are  second  attacks  of  variola. 

Mode  of  inoculating. — The  material  to  be  used  in  inocu- 
lating is  the  fresh  liquid  exudation  that  may  be  pressed 
from  the  substance  of  a  lung  in  the  earliest  stage  of  the 
disease.  If  it  is  to  be  preserved  for  any  length  of  time 
it  is  best  done  in  hermetically  sealed  glass  tubes.  A 
glass  tube  one-third  inch  in  diameter  is  drawn  out  to  a 
point  at  each  end  and  sealed  in  a  blowpipe  flame,  the 
whole  length  of  the  tube  having  been  heated  to  redness 
before  the  second  end  is  closed.  This  destroys  all  germs 
that  may  be  present  in  the  tube  and  expels  most  of  the 
air.  When  the  liquid  has  been  drained  from  the  lung 
into  a  clean  dish  one  end  of  the  tube  is  immersed  and 
broken  off  under  the  surface.  Immediately  the  fluid  rises 
in  the  tube  and  nearly  fills  it.  The  open  end  is  again  to 
be  sealed  in  the  blowpipe  flame  and  the  tube  packf^d 
away  in  a  safe  place  till  Avanted. 

The  most  eligible  place  to  inoculate  is  the  tip  of  t]\e 
tail,  since  in  case  of  excessive  swelling  or  threatened  gan- 
grene the  diseased  portion  of  the  organ  may  be  cut  ofi 
and  a  possibly  fatal  result  avoided. 

The  mode  of  inserting  the  virus  differs  with  the  opera- 
tor. Dr.  Willems  plunged  a  lancet,  charged  with  tli^ 
7* 


78  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

virus,  several  times  through  the  skin  on  the  end  of  the 
tail.  In  Australia,  a  worsted  thread  charged  with  the 
pulmonary  exudation  is  drawn  through  beneath  the  skin 
and  left  in  situ.  Sticker  used  a  hollow  needle  with  dia- 
mond-shaped point  attached  to  an  India  rubber  bag  con- 
taining the  fluid.  The  needle  having  been  inserted  under 
the  skin,  the  bag  is  squeezed  so  as  to  lodge  a  single  drop 
in  the  tissues  as  it  is  withdrawn.  As  a  modification  of 
the  same  I  have  always  used  the  common  hypodermic  syr- 
inge carefully  purifying  it  with  boiling  water  before  and 
after  use.  Nicklas  and  Bartels  recommend  that  the  liq- 
uid be  lodged  immediately  beneath  the  epidermis,  as  be- 
ing less  likely  to  cause  dangerous  and  gangrenous  swell- 
ings than  if  inserted  more  deeply.  Aside  from  this,  that 
method  is  the  best  that  exposes  the  inserted  matter  least 
to  the  action  of  the  air,  there  being  less  danger  of  putre- 
faction and  dangerous  swellings.  In  my  experiments 
with  the  hypodermic  syringe  I  have  lost  from  two  to  four 
per  cent  from  such  swellings  and  there  can  be  little  doubt 
that  even  these  could  have  been  saved  had  the  tails  been 
amputated  in  time. 

After  treatment  is  seldom  wanted.  Willems  recom- 
mends a  pound  of  Epsom  salts  on  the  tenth  day  after  the 
operation.  In  case  of  much  swelling,  astringent  and  an- 
tiseptic washes  are  recommended,  but  prompt  am- 
putation is  much  safer  and  if  resorted  to  early  enough 
usually  prevents  those  extensive  swellings  around  the 
root  of  the  tail  and  in  the  pelvis  which  occasionally  prove 
fatal. 

Can  the  Lung  Plague  be  Spread  by  Inoculated  Cattle  ? 

Almost  all  advocates  of  inoculation  deny  that  an  inoc- 
ulated animal  is  at  all  dangerous  to  others.  In  this  they 
throw  the  gravest  doubt  on  the  value  of  the  operation  as 
a  preservative.  The  liquids  inoculated  are  the  virulent 
products  of  the  lung  plague,  and  as  these  do  not  induce 
disease  of  the  lungs  but  ovAy  of  tlie  tissues  wliere  thoj 


Inoculated  Cattle  Infecting.  79 

are  inserted,  it  cannot  be  supposed  that  they  exert  any 
influence  on  the  economy  through  any  direct  action  on 
the  normal  seat  of  the  disease.  If  protective  at  all  it 
must  be  by  reason  of  the  reproduction  of  the  germs  in 
the  blood  or  in  the  seat  of  inoculation.  If  in  the  blood 
there  must  be  danger  of  their  being  given  ojQf  by  the  vari- 
ous free  surfaces  and  notably  by  the  lungs.  If  in  the 
tail,  there  is  still  the  risk  of  the  germs  escaping  from  the 
wound,  drying  up  in  the  building  and  being  inhaled  by 
other  cattle  with  fatal  results.  It  is  true  that  the  risks 
are  incomparably  less  from  germs  escaping  from  a  wound 
in  the  tail  than  from  those  exhaled  with  every  breath 
from  the  diseased  lung  and  diffused  through  the  whole 
surrounding  atmosphere.  Yet  even  from  the  inoculation 
wound  the  disease  has  been  conveyed.  Reynal  mentions 
the  case  of  an  inoculated  Brittany  cow  at  the  Alfort  Vet- 
erinary School  which  infected  two  others  standing  with 
her. 

I  have  now  under  observation  a  stable  into  which  the 
lung  plague  is  alleged  to  have  been  introduced  through 
the  inoculation  of  the  cows  four  months  ago.  The  stump- 
tails  attest  the  reality  of  the  inoculation,  the  raw  ends  of 
several  its  recent  adoption,  and  yet  the  sickness  pre- 
vails. Again,  it  has  been  shown  in  localities  in  New  Jer- 
sey and  elsewhere  when  inoculation  has  been  practiced 
on  a  previously  healthy  herd  a  certain  number  of  animals 
have  afterward  manifested  the  disease. 

Keason  and  experience  agree  in  showing  that  the  poi- 
son may  be  thus  introduced  into  healthy  stables  and  there 
fore  inocidation  must  he  absolutely  condemned  whenever  f 
speedy  and  effectual  stamping  out  of  the  disease  is  de- 
sired. No  country  has  ever  succeeded  in  exterminating 
this  plague  by  practicing  inoculation.  The  most  ardent 
votaries  of  the  practice,  Belgium,  Holland,  Prussia,  En- 
gland, Australia,  South  Africa,  New  York  and  New  Jersey 
have  preserved  the  plague  for  decades  in  spite  of  the 


80  The  Lung  liayue  of  Cattle, 

most  earnest  efforts  of  this  kind.  It  may  be  conceded 
that  by  means  of  inoculation  the  disease  has  been  quickly 
passed  through  individual  herds,  and  that  when  a  country 
or  district  makes  inoculation  universal  that  the  mortality 
is  greatly  reduced,  yet  the  adoption  of  the  operation  for 
healthy  herds  but  multiplies  the  centres  of  infection,  and 
when  a  country  is  subjected  to  this,  the  plague  is  inevita- 
bly kept  up  by  the  occasional  contamination  of  young 
and  uninoculated  animals. 

On  the  other  hand,  there  are  conditions  in  which  inoc- 
ulation is  to  be  commended.  On  the  steppes  of  Eastern 
Europe  and  Asia,  on  the  open  lands  of  Australia  and 
South  Africa,  where  herds  mingle  day  by  day  and  infec- 
tion cannot  be  rooted  out  by  any  process  of  slaughter 
and  disinfection,  the  practice  of  inoculation  is  found  to 
reduce  the  losses  to  a  minimum.  In  certain  other  condi- 
tions the  operation  would  be  admissible.  In  the  case  of 
large  herds  occupying  insular  or  equally  secluded  locali- 
ties, where  the  contagion  is  already  widely  diffused  and 
still  spreading  from  beast  to  beast,  it  may  be  good  policy 
to  inoculate  the  whole  herd,  and  after  recovery  from  the 
inoculation  to  subject  the  whole  to  inspection  and  dispose 
of  any  still  showing  traces  of  the  plague.  In  such  a  case 
all  calves  born  in  the  herd  must  be  either  destroyed  or 
immediately  inoculated  as  circumstances  may  suggest. 
If  calves  are  constantly  coming  their  destruction  will  be 
requisite,  as  a  continuous  inoculation  will  entail  the 
maintenance  of  the  plague.  In  this  way  such  an  insular 
place  might  be  cleared  of  the  plague  in  a  few  months, 
whereas  the  resort  to  a  similar  course  in  a  thickly  settled 
district  has  always  been  shown  to  keep  it  up. 

Passing  the  Young  through  the  Plague. 

In  some  countries,  where  the  plague  is  all  but  univer- 
sally distributed,  those  running  large  dairies  have  found 
it  profitable  to  pass  all  their  stock  through  the  disease 


state  and  National  Measures.  HI 

while  calves.  Mr.  Harvey,  of  Glasgow,  packed  his  calves 
in  close  buildings,  sandwiching  them  between  sick  ani- 
mals, and  thns  passed  all  susceptible  ones  through  the 
disease.  He  afterward  turned  these  out  on  a  farm  to 
grow  up  and  finally  introduced  them  into  his  city  dairy 
as  milch  cows.  The  loss  of  20  per  cent,  of  his  calves 
was  a  small  outlay  as  compared  with  as  many  cows  in 
milk  so  that  he  found  the  course  quite  a  profitable  one. 
It  is  needless  to  say  that  this  practice  is  still  more  ob- 
jectionable than  inoculation,  and  like  that  should  be 
strictly  prohibited  wherever  measures  are  being  taken  to 
eradicate  the  disease. 

STATE  MEASUEES  TO  STAMP  OUT  THE  PLAGUR 

1.  For  Country  Districts  with  Inclosed  Farms. 

(a)  Prevent  Importation  from  Infected  Countries  or  Chan- 

nets. 

This  subject  has  been  already  discussed  above  and 
need  only  be  referred  to  here  as  indispensable  to  the 
stamping  out  of  the  disease.  It  is  needless  to  attempt 
to  crush  within  our  own  borders  that  which  we  are  con- 
stantly introducing  the  seeds  of  from  abroad.  As  well 
keep  sowing  our  land  with  thistles  while  we  are  toiling 
day  and  night  to  eradicate  them. 

(h)  Proclaim  Infected  Localities. 

This  is  all  essential  for  the  protection  of  the  public 
who  could  not  otherwise  avoid  such  places  in  the  pur- 
chase and  transit  of  stock.  The  insertion  of  such  proc- 
lamation in  the  local  papers  and  the  posting  of  it  in  the 
post-offices  or  other  places  of  public  resort,  will  usually 
serve  every  purpose.  The  proclaimed  district  may  be 
one  or  more  towns,  counties,  or  states,  as  the  case  may 
be,  and  thus  the  proclamation  may  come  from  Governoi 
or  President,  in  different  cases. 


82  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

(c)  StojD  all  Marhets  and  Fairs  in  Infected  Districts. 

Wherever  cattle  are  brought  together  from  different 
herds,  any  existing  contagion  is  spread  with  their  distri- 
bution. Where  lung  plague  exists  there  is  the  strongest 
temptation,  and  the  amplest  opportunity  for  the  owner 
to  pick  out  the  apparently  healthy  from  the  infected  lot 
and  send  them  to  market.  Many  of  them  will  not  sicken 
for  one  or  two  months  after  the  purchase,  and  by  this 
time  they  will  have  infected  many  herds  in  all  districts, 
far  and  near.  To  avoid  this  otherwise  inevitable  result, 
all  collections  of  cattle  in  infected  districts,  whether  for 
sale  or  exhibition,  must  be  strictly  prohibited. 

{d)  Stop  all  Movement  of  Cattle  in  Infected  Districts  ex- 
cept under  License  after  Examination  of  the  Herd  by  an 
Expert. 

To  the  movement  of  cattle  from  herd  to  herd  there  is 
precisely  the  same  objection  as  there  is  to  markets  and 
fairs.  The  existence  of  the  disease  in  a  herd  is  often 
unknown  to  the  nearest  neighbors,  as  its  publication 
would  interfere  with  the  sale  of  stock,  meat  or  milk.  It  is, 
therefore,  an  easy  matter  for  an  unscrupulous  owner  to 
sell  the  still  apparently  healthy  animals,  one  by  one,  to 
unsuspecting  parties  and  thus  realize  a  salvage  from  his 
own  infected  herd  by  spreading  the  plague  widely  through- 
out the  herds  of  his  neighbors.  If,  however,  cattle  ar^, 
moved  only  after  the  Jierd  has  been  examined  by  a  veteri- 
narian and  an  assurance  has  been  given  that  no  conta- 
gious disease  has  been  present  in  it  for  the  past  six 
months,  this  danger  is  in  great  part  done  away  with.  It 
is  requisite,  however,  to  examine  the  whole  ^herd  from 
which  the  animals  are  to  be  moved,  as  otherwise  infected 
animals  in  which  symptoms  have  not  yet  developed  will 
pass  the  closest  scrutiny  and  be  sent  on  to  spread  the 
pestilence. 

(e)  Prohibit  the  Pasturage  together  of  tJie  Cattle  of  different 
Parties  except  under  the  Affidavit  of  each  Oivner  thcd  His 


Unfc  need  Pastures  to  be  Disused.  83 

Stock  has  been  clear  of  Contagious  Disease  for  tJie  Fast  Six 
Months  Immediately  Preceding. 

Here  the  danger  is  tlie  -same  as  in  the  case  of  fairs  anc 
markets,  and  without  the  restriction  named,  apparently 
sound  cattle  from  infected  herds  or  premises  are  sent 
upon  common  pastures  and  when  later  the  different  herds 
are  taken  back  by  their  respective  owners  they  carry  with 
them  the  seeds  of  sickness  and  death  to  others. 

(/)  Prohibit  Absolutely  tJie  Pasturage  of  Cattle  on  Un- 
fenced  Grounds  and  Highioays. 

In  infected  localities  pasturage  on  roads  and  open  lots 
is  one  of  the  most  fertile  sources  of  infection.  Healthy 
herds  turned  out  in  this  way  come  in  contact  with  neigh- 
boring or  passing  infected  ones,  or  with  the  places  where 
they  have  immediately  preceded  them ;  apparently  sound 
cattle  from  infected  herds  carry  the  virus  to  healthy  ones 
or  breathe  upon  and  soil  the  grass  on  which  these  after- 
ward browse,  and  thus  the  malady  is  spread  ere  any  sus- 
picion is  aroused.  Many  think  to  save  their  stock  by 
having  them  herded  or  tethered,  but  the  idea  is  a  most 
fallacious  one,  as  may  be  seen  from  the  examples  of  the 
transmission  of  the  contagium  through  pastures  in  Aus- 
tralia and  elsewhere.  The  only  course  of  safety  is  to 
exclude  all  cattle  from  open  lots  and  highways  and  to 
utilize  the  products  of  such  by  mowing  .and  soiling  when 
this  is  necessary. 

((/)  License  Stud  Bulls  in  Healthy  Herds  to  Serve  Cows 
from  Sound  Herds. 

The  danger  of  contagion  from  sending  cows  from  in 
fected  herds  to  healthy  bulls,  and  vice  versa,  necessitates 
this  provision.  Yet  as  the  business  usually  demands 
dispatch,  a  license  may  be  given  for  all  safe  bulls  in  the 
district  and  a  running  permit  to  the  owners  of  sound 
herds  of  cows  empowering  them  to  take  cows  to  the 
nearest  of  such  bulls  without  loitering  or  pasturing  them 
on  the  way. 


84  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle, 

(h)  Make  it  Incumbent  on  all  Cognizant  of  the  same  to  Be* 
port  to  a  Designated  Official  all  Cases  of  Disease  in  Cattle 
Supposed  or  Suspected  to  be  Contagious. 

Tliis  is,  of  course,  especially  incumbent  on  tlie  owners, 
but  should  be  made  to  embrace  all  attendants,  veterina- 
rians, visitors  and  all  good  citizens.  The  reasons  for 
this  are  obvious,  but  they  will  be  set  forth  more  fully 
under  the  head  of  Indemnity. 

(i)  Make  it  the  Duty  of  Some  Designated  Local  Authority 
to  Receive  this  Report  and  to  Order  an  Examination  by  a 
State  Veterinary  Inspector. 

Such  local  authority  ought  to  be  a  Justice  of  the  Peace, 
Police  Magistrate  or  other  Judge  of  the  District,  who  can 
not  only  administer  the  law  but  promptly  punish  offend- 
ers. The  judges  in  question  will  then  make  themselves 
acquainted  with  the  law  and  will  mete  out  more  rigid 
justice  to  parties  brought  before  them  than  if  they  had 
no  such  direct  duty  in  the  matter.  They  come  to  the 
subject  already  clothed  with  the  dignity  and  authority  of 
the  law,  and  the  moral  influence  'is  far  better  than  if  a 
State  official,  outside  the  judicial  bench,  had  to  apply  the 
law  and  appear  to  prosecute  the  offenders.  Besides,  if  a 
magistrate  is  not  directly  interested  in  the  matter  and 
specially  acquainted  with  it,  he  will  often  decide  a  case 
in  favor  of  the  offender  and  to  the  serious  detriment  of 
the  sanitary  work. 

( /)  Indemnity.  If  the  Inspector  Ascertains  the  Existence, 
of  Lung  Plague,  lie  shall  Estimate  the  Value  of  the  Sick,  or 
have  it  done  by  Disinterested  Appraisers,  and  Report  the 
mme  to  the  Local  Authority  as  the  Basis  of  Indemnify. 

The  principle  of  allowing  indemnity  for  animals  slaugh 
tered  is  fundamental  to  success,  and  according  to  the 
liberality  of  the  award,  is  usually  the  success  of  the 
work  of  extermination.  Withhold  indemnity  and  owners 
withhold  reports  of  sickness,  hide  away  or  slaughter  the 
diseas  d  and  throw  the  remainder  of  the  infected  herd 


Indemnity.  85 


on  the  market  with  most  disastrous  results.  The  main 
purpose  of  the  indemnity  is  not,  as  many  suppose,  the 
re-imbursing  of  the  owner  for  his  loss,  but  rather  the 
speedy  discovery  and  extinction  of  every  centre  of  con- 
tagion. The  real  value  of  the  sick  animal  is  usually  of 
no  account,  and  considering  the  danger  of  immediate  and 
prospective  infection  of  other  animals  by  proximity  and 
through  the  infected  buildings,  the  dangers  incident  to 
its  preservation  far  more  than  counterbalance  the  actual 
worth.  But  the  prospect  of  a  recovery,  of  having  ar 
animal  that  is  no  longer  susceptible  to  the  disease,  and 
the  many  drawbacks  in  the  way  of  injury  to  business, 
will  usually  deter  the  owner  from  making  his  losses  pub- 
lic. In  all  countries  where  the  disease  has  been  rooted 
out  it  has  been  found  that  no  penalty  for  concealment 
is  half  so  effectual  as  a  liberal  remuneration  for  animals 
sacrificed.  Then,  again,  an  indemnity  which  will  encour- 
age owners  to  report  is  a  measure  of  the  wisest  economy. 
While  the  existence  of  disease  is  concealed,  the  State  is 
thrown  back  on  a  slow  and  laborious  examination  of  herd 
by  herd  and  beast  by  beast,  conducted  by  veterinarians, 
and  even  then  there  are  a  thousand  ways  of  secreting 
the  sick  in  out-of-the-way  places  and  subjecting  only  the 
apparently  healthy  to  examination.  Where,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  owners  have  every  encouragement  to  report  sick- 
ness, the  skilled  veterinarian  is  only  wanted  to  decide  as 
to  the  nature  of  the  sickness  reported,  and  the  State  is 
saved  at  least  nine-tenths  of  the  expenses  for  professional 
inspections. 

For  these,  among  other  reasons,  I  have  always  advo- 
cated a  liberal  indemnity :  and  every  day's  experience 
^^  ith  the  plague  shows  more  and  more  clearly  the  wisdom 
of  this.  The  sick  should,  therefore,  be  appraised  at  their 
full  value  as  if  in  health  and  the  award  should  be  no  less 
tlian  half  of  this  estimate.  I  would  even  favor  a  two- 
thirds  value  as  more  efiicient  and  economical,  as  it  would 
8 


86  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

insure  a  more  prompt  report  of  every  case  of  illnessi= 
The  only  objection  to  a  full  sound  value,  and  it  is  an  in- 
superable one,  is,  that  it  places  a  premium  on  sickness 
and  would  encourage  the  unscrupulous  to  convey  infec- 
tion into  an  unmarketable  herd  for  the  purpose  of  dis- 
posing of  them  to  the  State.  If  this  danger  is  guarded 
against  it  will  be  found  that  the  highest  award  for  sick 
animals  slaughtered  will  prove  most  profitable  to  the 
commonwealth.  It  will  assure  what  is  almost  unattain- 
able in  any  other  way — a  speedy  and  economical  success. 

(k)  Diseased  Animals  to  he  Slaughtered  under  the  Eye  of 
an  Inspector,  their  Hides  Slashed  and  the  Carcasses  Deeply 
Buried  in  a  Secluded  Place. 

The  importance  of  this  need  hardly  be  insisted  on.  So 
long  as  a  sick  beast  is  preserved  it  is  but  multiplying  the 
poison,  diffusing  it  through  the  air,  and  storing  it  up  in 
the  buildings.  This  poison  it  is  impossible  to  circum- 
scribe, absolutely,  except  by  its  instant  destruction.  It 
may  be  wafted  on  the  air,  carried  on  straw,  paper  and 
other  light  bodies  on  which  it  has  been  dried,  in  the 
clothes  of  visitors,  on  the  coats  of  domestic  animals 
(horses,  dogs,  sheep,  goats,  cats),  or  of  wild  (rats,  mice, 
skunks,  etc.),  and  by  numerous  channels  it  will  elude  our 
vigilance  and  extend  to  neighboring  herds.  (On  this 
subject  see  Mediate  Contagion.)  The  only  course  of  safety 
is  to  stop  the  production  of  the  poison  and  bury  what 
already  exists  where  it  can  be  no  more  exhumed.  Before 
burial  the  hide  should  be  extensively  cut  to  prevent  its 
removal  for  sale. 

(?)  Disinfect  the  Premises,  Utensils  and  Attendants. 

To  kill  the  sick  without  subsequent  disinfection  of  the 
premises  is  futile.  Stamping  out  is  by  no  means  confined 
to  the  use  of  the  pole-ax.  Every  place  and  object  on 
which  the  virus  may  have  been  lodged  must  be  subjected 
to  an  exhaustive  disinfection  if  we  would  stay  the  prog- 
ress  of  the  j)lague. 


Disinfection,  87 


For  stables  our  printed  instructions  embrace  what  fol 
lows : 

"1.  Remove  all  litter,  manure,  feed  and  fodder  from 
the  stables ;  scrape  the  walls  and  floor ;  wash  them  i. 
necessary  ;  remove  all  rotten  wood. 

"2.  Take  Chloride  of  Lime  one-half  lb.,  Crude  Car- 
bolic Acid  4  ozs.,  and  water  one  gallon ;  add  fi-eshly- 
burned  Quicklime  till  tliick  enough  to  make  a  good  white- 
wash ;  whitewash  with  this  the  whole  roof,  walls,  floors, 
posts,  mangers,  drains,  and  other  fixtures  in  the  cow  sta- 
bles. 

"3.  Wash  so  as  to  thoroughly  cleanse  all  pails,  buck- 
ets, stools,  forks,  shovels,  brooms,  and  other  movable  ar- 
ticles used  in  the  buildings,  then  wet  them  all  over  with 
a  solution  of  Carbolic  Acid  one-half  lb.,  water  one 
gallon. 

"4.  When  the  empty  building  has  been  cleansed  and 
disinfected  as  above,  close  the  doors  and  windows,  place 
in  the  centre  of  the  building  a  metallic  dish  holding  one 
lb.  Flowers  of  Sulphur ;  set  fire  to  this  and  let  the  cow 
shed  stand  closed  and  filled  with  the  fumes  for  at  least 
two  hours.  The  above  should  suffice  for  a  close  stable 
capable  of  holding  12  cows.  For  larger  or  very  open 
buildings  more  will  be  required. 

"5.  The  manure  from  a  stable  where  sick  cattle  have 
been  kept  must  be  turned  over  and  mixed  with  Quick- 
lime, 2  bushels  to  every  load ;  then  hauled  by  horses  to 
fields  to  which  no  cattle  have  access,  and  at  once  plough- 
ed under  by  horses. 

"  6.  The  pits,  where  the  manure  has  been,  must  be  cleans- 
ed and  washed  with  the  disinfectant  fluid  ordered  for 
the  building  (Sec.  2). 

"  7.  The  surviving  herd  should  be  shut  up  in  a  close 
building  for  half  an  hour  once  or  twice  a  day,  and  made 
to  breathe  the  fumes  of  burning  sulphur.  Close  doors 
and  windows,  place  a  piece  of  paper  on  a  clean  shovel, 
lay  a  few  pinches  of  Flowers  of  Sulplmr  upon  it,  and  set 
it  on  fire,  adding  more  sulphur,  pinch  by  pinch,  as  long 
as  the  cattle  can  stand  it  without  coughing.  Continue  for 
a  month. 


88  The  Lung  Flagiie  of  Cattle. 

"  8.  Give  two  drachms  Powdered  Copperas  (Green  Vit- 
riol) daily  to  each  cow  in  meal  or  grains ;  or,  divide  1  lb. 
Copperas  into  50  powders,  and  give  one  daily  to  each 
adult  animal. 

"  9.  Do  not  use  for  the  surviving  cattle  any  feed,  foddei 
nor  litter  that  has  been  in  the  same  stable  with  the  sick. 
They  may  safely  be  used  for  horses  and  sheep." 

In  certain  cases  further  measures  are  needed,  as  re- 
moval of  the  flooring  and  soil  beneath,  or  even  the  cre- 
mation of  the  entire  structure.  Drains  must  also  bo 
cleansed. 

(m)  Quarantine  the  Premises  for  Three  3IontJis  after  the 
last  sick  Animal  has  been  Killed  or  has  Recovered. 

Free  and  continuous  exposure  to  air  is  one  of  the  best 
disinfectants,  and  after  the  disinfection  the  exposure  of 
the  empty  premises  with  the  doors  and  windows  open 
for  three  months  ^vill  usually  complete  the  purification. 

{n)  Hay,  Fodder  and  Feed  in  Infected  Buildings  to  he  De- 
stroyed or  Fed  to  Horses,  Sheep  or  Pigs. 

It  is  needless  to  insist  upon  this  as  such  fodder  has 
been  subjected  to  the  fever-laden  breath  of  the  sick  and 
should  only  be  used  for  animals  that  are  insusceptible  to 
the  contagion. 

(o)  Manure  from  Infected  Herds  to  he  thoroughly  Disin- 
fected loith  Chloride  of  Lime,  or  Hauled  out  hy  Horses  to 
Fields  adjoining  no  Ccdtle  Pastures,  and,  then  Ploughed  under. 

Though  we  cannot  say  that  the  defecations  as  passed 
are  infecting,  yet,  as  they  lie  in  and  around  infected  sta- 
bles, they  are  liable  to  take  up  and  convey  the  infection, 
and  we  have  repeatedly  traced  outbreaks  to  this  source. 

Like  fodder,  however,  it  is  harmless  to  horses,  and 
provided  these  do  not  stand  as  mates  with  cattle  they 
may  be  safely  used  in  disposing  of  it.  In  the  vicinity  ol 
cities  it  can  be  safely  applied  on  market  gardens. 

{p)  Pastures  lohere  Sick  Animals  have  been  to  he  Secluded 
for  Three  Months  after  their  Removed. 


Closure  of  Pastures :  Begistration  of  Herds.     89 


We  have  already  seen  the  danger  of  infected  pastures 
and  notably  in  the  case  of  Australia,  and  as  these  cannot 
be  purified  artificially  we  must  allow  time  for  the  action 
of  nature's  great  natural  disinfectants.  The  time  neces- 
sary will  vary  somewhat  in  different  cases,  thus  in  a  mild 
cKmate  with  frequent  alternations  of  rain  and  sunshine 
it  may  be  considerably  less  than  in  the  dry  Australian 
climate,  or  in  the  winter  season  of  our  northern  States 
when  everything  is  for  months  bound  up  in  frost.  Three 
months  may  be  fairly  accepted  as  a  good  average. 

{q)  llake  a  Register  of  each  Infected  Herd  ivith  a  Per- 
sonal Description  of  every  Animal. 

By  adopting  this  precaution  a  perfect  control  may  be 
kept  up  by  non-professional  inspectors,  and  the  frequent 
visits  of  the  more  expensive  veterinarian  largely  dis- 
pensed with.  The  check  too  is  all  but  perfect,  as,  if  an 
animal  disappears  it  must  be  accounted  for  and  no  beast 
can  be  replaced  by  another  without  detection. 

For  this  purpose  a  personal  description  is  usually  a 
better  safeguard  than  any  mark  or  brand  which  may  be 
counterfeited. 

NEED  FOE  SPECIAL  MEASUKES  IN  CITIES. 

The  eradication  of  the  Lung  Plague  from  fenced  coun- 
try districts  is  a  very  simple  affair,  to  be  easily  and 
speedily  accomplished  at  but  little  cost,  but  when  we 
come  to  the  cities  we  find  a  totally  different  state  of 
things,  requiring  special  restrictive  measures.  To  illus- 
trate this  I  must  enter  somewhat  into  the  nature  of  the 
city  dairy  interest. 

Supply  of  Fresh  Coivs. 

Under  ordinary  circumstances  the  fresh  cows  are  sup- 
plied from  country  districts  and  most  of  them  come  in 
sound.  When,  however,  disease  exists  in  the  adjacent 
country  the  city  is  the  readiest  market  for  animals  from 
8- 


90  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

an  infected  herd,  and  the  unfortunate  farmer  too  often 
unloads  his  suspicious  beasts  on  the  still  more  unfortu- 
nate city  milkman.  Such  cows  pass  through  the  ordinary 
channels,  and  in  their  course  infect  cars,  ferry-boats  and 
cattle-yards  so  that  ere  they  reach  their  destination  they 
have  often  done  most  material  damage.  Thus,  when  we 
began  our  work  in  New  York  we  traced  many  outbreaks 
to  cows  from  infected  districts  in  New  Jersey,  and  others 
to  the  infected  sheep-house  at  60th  street,  where  many 
fresh  cows  were  kept  for  sale.  This  was  promptly  stop- 
ped ;  but  we  had  then  scarcely  begun  to  meet  the  difficul- 
ties. 

The  fresh  cows  are  mostly  sent  to  the  city  consigned 
directly  to  dealers,  or  to  speculators  who  in  their  turn 
employ  cow-dealers  to  dispose  of  them  at  a  commission. 
On  their  arrival  by  boat  or  rail  some  are  sold  directly  to 
the  milkmen,  and  the  others  are  mostly  sent  to  dealers 
stables  to  be  disposed  of  later.  A  number  of  the  New 
York  dealers  keep  their  cows  in  the  Union  Stock  yards 
at  60th  street,  and  until  the  present  law  was  enforced 
they  kept  them  in  the  sheep-house. 

We  must  go  a  step  further  to  show  the  dangers  of  this. 
A  great  majority  of  the  city  milkmen  are  poor,  keeping 
from  one  to  a  dozen  cows,  and  their  losses  are  so  heavy 
that  they  can  rarely  get  money  enough  to  pay  for  their 
cows  when  bought.  The  cows  are  accordingly  left  with 
them  on  trial,  and  the  payments  made  in  installments.  If 
a  cow  fails  to  milk  as  represented  she  is  rejected  and  the 
dealer  replaces  her  by  another,  taking  the  first  to  another 
customer,  or  in  the  absence  of  a  customer  back  to  his 
own  stables,  or  as  was  the  case  formerly  in  New  York 
back  to  the  Union  Stock  Yards.  Such  cows  transferred 
from  city  stable  to  stable  in  many  cases  carried  conta- 
gion with  them,  and  when  returned  to  the  dealer's  stable 
or  stock-yard  they  infected  these  places  and  indirectly 
all  cows  that  afterward  passed  through  these.     Thus  it 


City  Cow-Trade.  91 


was  that  every  dealer's  stable  became  sooner  or  later  a 
pest-house  and  a  centre  from  which  the  disease  was  con- 
stantly spread  in  all  directions.  The  same  was  the  case 
with  the  Union  Stock  Yards  where  at  first  we  found  sick 
animals  standing  that  had  been  brought  in  from  city 
stables. 

A  second  dangerous  practice  of  dealers  was  the  ped- 
dling of  cows  which  were  driven  from  herd  to  herd,  and 
too  often  at  night  or  during  the  heat  of  midday,  were 
stabled  with  herds  where  they  happened  to  be  overtaken. 
In  this  way  they  usually  took  in  the  disease  germs  if  they 
were  not  already  affected,  or  if  they  had  already  taken 
them  in  they  diffused  them  wherever  they  went. 

Then,  again,  the  cows  that  were  given  out  on  trial  were 
too  often  those  that  were  in  the  earlier  stages  of  the  dis- 
ease, or  but  partially  recovered  from  it,  that  were  doing 
badly  in  consequence,  and  as  no  one  cared  to  keep  them 
they  made  a  hasty  progress  through  a  number  of  herds, 
infecting  them  all  in  turn. 

Pasturage  on  Commons. — Another  prolific  source  of  the 
disease  in  cities,  is  found  in  the  abundance  of  open 
grounds  intended  for  building  and  held  by  speculators 
in  prospect  of  sale.  On  such  unfenced  grounds  the 
poorer  owner  of  two  or  three  cows  and  even  the  holder 
of  a  score  or  more,  turn  out  their  cattle  daily  to  pasture, 
and  as  herd  mingles  with  herd  the  sick  infect  the  healthy, 
and  soon  a  whole  neighborhood  is  contaminated  by  one 
sick  beast.  There  is  usually  an  understanding  that  sick 
cows  are  to  be  kept  in,  but  this  is  often  neglected,  and 
even  where  adopted  it  but  hides  the  danger  for  the 
slightly  affected  and  those  that  are  recovering,  but  retain 
in  the  chest  an  encysted  mass  of  infecting  material,  are 
turned  out  and  transmit  the  disease  freely.  Some  seek 
to  protect  their  cows  by  herding  them  on  such  places, 
and  others  by  staking  them,  but  all  such  measures  must 
be  futile  so  hnig  as  they  are  allowtnl  to  graze  where  sick 
cattJe  have  been  before  tliem. 


92  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

It  is  from  this  cause,  mainly,  that  the  disease  has  beeu 
always  more  prevalent  at  the  end  of  the  summer  than  in 
spring,  and  at  the  present  time  we  still  find  more  disease 
in  districts  such  as  Brooklyn  and  its  outskirts,  where, 
owing  to  local  obstructions,  we  have  been  unable  to  en- 
force a  sound  pasturage  law,  than  in  New  York  and  else- 
where, where  this  law  has  been  respected.  In  these  city 
commons  we  have  the  counterpart,  on  a  small  scale,  of 
the  immense  common  pastures  of  the  Russian  steppes, 
and  the  Australian  and  South  African  ranges,  and  it  is 
mainly  to  this  characteristic  and  to  the  special  features 
of  the  cow  trade  in  the  cities  that  the  lung  plague  has 
been  maintained  in  America  for  the  past  36  years. 

Facilities  for  Secret  Sale  and  Slauglder. — The  preserva- 
tion of  the  plague  in  cities  is  further  favored  by  the  ease 
with  which  the  sick  may  be  thrown  on  the  meat  market. 
In  country  districts  the  prejudice  is  so  strong  that  it  is 
usually  impossible  to  dispose  of  even  a  sound  animal 
from  an  infected  herd  to  any  district  butcher.  But  in 
the  cities  the  source  of  the  beef  is  not  so  easily  ascer- 
tained and  butchers  are  not  slow  to  kill  anything  that 
stands  upon  four  legs.  Hence  the  o^\Tier  will  often  hide 
the  existence  of  the  disease  to  save  his  milk  business  and 
dispose  of  the  sick  for  beef. 

Were  the  city  possessed  of  but  one  abattoir,  this 
might  be  easily  controlled ;  but  when  slaughter  houses 
are  scattered  every  where  and  cattle  are  killed  at  all 
times  of  the  day  and  night,  this  is  difficult  or  impracti- 
ble  and  at  best  very  expensive. 

I  cannot  do  better  than  quote  the  measures  we  have 
adopted  in  New  York  to  meet  these  conditions. 

1.    Control  of  Imports. 

Source. — Cows  and  store  cattle  are  admitted  only  as 
they  come  by  the  Hudson  River  R.  R.  and  Harlem  R.  R. 
fi-om  points  north  of  Putnam  County  ;  b}^  the  New  Haven 


Source:  Detention  and  Distribution  of  Cows.     93 

E.  E.  from  Connecticut ;  by  the  Erie  R.  E..  from  points 
west  of  Eockland  county  and  excluding  stations  between 
Goslieu  and  the  western  line  of  Orange  County,  such  cat- 
tle to  be  ti'ansf erred  fi'om  the  Oak  Cliff  stock-yards  to 
tlie  Union  stock-yards,  N.  Y.,  by  a  special  boat — the  Can 
ifiko — retained  for  this  purpose. 

Store  cattle  from  New  Jersey  and  Long  Island  are  ab- 
solutel}'  excluded,  excepting  in  the  case  of  private  cows 
thot  have  been  kept  apart  from  all  other  cattle,  have  been 
healthy  for  at  least  six  months  and  are  to  be  kept  in  a 
private  stable  or  pasture  in  New  York.  Such  are  ad- 
mitted on  permit  given  after  examination  by  an  inspector. 

Point  of  Arrival  and  Detention. — All  fresh  milch  cows 
and  other  store  cattle  must  come  to  the  Union  Stock- 
Yards  and  enter  the  yards  set  apart  for  them  where  they 
will  be  inspected  and  detained  until  ready  to  go  to  their 
final  destination. 

With  characteristic  energy,  the  Union  Stock- Yard 
Company  have  constructed  a  number  of  new  yards  for 
this  purpose  on  the  south  side  of  59th  street  and  have 
subjected  the  sheep-house  to  a  thorough  disinfection  so 
that  cows,  etc.,  can  be  safely  kept  in  the  new  yards  and 
calves  in  the  sheep-house.  Thus  our  most  prolific  source 
of  disease  has  been  abolished. 

Distribution  of  Coivs  to  City  Dairies. — No  cow  is  al- 
lowed to  leave  the  stock-yard  to  go  to  any  dealer's  sta- 
ble in  New  York  and  be  thence  transferred  to  a  milk- 
man's stable.  If  she  enters  a  dealer's  stable  she  must 
remain  there  until  ready  for  slaughter  and  must  go 
straight  to  the  abattoir.  Cows  sold  to  milkmen  must  go 
from  the  yards  on  permit,  direct  to  the  milkman's  stable. 
Once  a  cow  has  entered  a  milkman's  stable  she  cannot 
be  transferred  to  another  milkman,  to  a  dealer's  stable 
nor  to  the  Union  Stock-Yards.  She  must  be  kept  on  from 
year  to  year  or  fattened  and  killed  for  beef. 

Here,  at  one  blow,  we  do  away  with  tlie  infecting  deal- 


94  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

er's  stable  and  the  pestiferous  system  of  peddling  oowa 
from  herd  to  herd  and  of  placing  infected  cows  for  trial 
in  a  number  of  herds  successively. 

Tn  such  a  city  as  New  York  it  was  impracticable  to 
stop  the  cow  market ;  but  by  this  arrangement  we  can 
control  it  so  as  to  reduce  its  evils  to  the  minimum.  The 
system  as  above  sketched  has  only  been  perfected  for  a 
short  time,  but  already  it  has  given  the  most  encourag- 
ing results  having  almost  completely  extinguished  the 
plague  in  that  city.  The  milkmen  heartily  approve  it, 
as  they  now  receive  their  cattle  with  a  guarantee  oi 
health,  and  by  buying  at  the  yards  they  have  a  better 
choice  and  can  make  better  terms  than  under  the  old 
system  of  buying  from  the  dealer's  stable  and  peddler's 
drove.  Then,  too,  they  find  that  the  introduction  of  a 
fresh  cow  is  not  the  signal  for  a  new  appearance  of  dis- 
ease, as  was  so  commonly  the  case  in  times  past.  It 
would  be  difficult,  to-day,  to  impose  upon  a  New  York 
milkman  a  cow  that  comes  without  General  Patrick's 
permit  and  the  inspector's  marks.  Most  dealers  who 
formerly  kept  their  cows  at  the  Union  Stock- Yards  like 
the  system,  for  a  sale  is  now  a  bona  fide  sale  and  brings 
the  money  in  place  of  promises  to  be  redeemed  little  by 
little  at  uncertain  intervals.  Some  grumble,  but  only 
because  they  can  no  longer  pursue  their  calling  at  the 
expense  of  a  constant  propagation  of  disease. 

Distise  of  Quarantine  Notices. — In  a  locality  controlled 
as  New  York  city  now  is,  the  posting  of  quarantine  no- 
tices on  buildings  is  more  injurious  than  beneficial.  No 
cows  can  enter  the  premises  except  with  a  permit  on 
which  the  destination  is  stated  and  none  can  leave  except 
for  immediate  slaughter.  The  object  of  the  notice  is 
fully  attained  by  these  measures,  and  the  notice  on  the 
building  without  accomplishing  any  good,  imperils  the 
sale  of  milk  from  the  herd,  and,  in  fear  of  this,  the 
owner  is  liable  to  hide  the  existence  of  disease.     Foi 


Police  Control:  Carcasses.  1)5 


the  same  reason  that  I  advocate  a  liberal  indemnity,  I 
advocate  the  disuse  of  quarantine  notices  in  such  cir- 
cumstances. Here,  as  everywhere,  the  best  success  de- 
pends on  the  hearty  co-operation  of  the  owners  of  cattle. 

Control  by  the  Police. — An  order  of  the  Commission  of 
Police  was  obtained  calling  upon  the  force  to  apprehend 
all  parties  moving  cows  or  other  store  cattle  without  a 
permit  signed  by  General  Patrick,  and  to  impound  all 
cows  or  other  cattle  pasturing  on  streets  or  unfenced 
places.  To  their  credit,  be  it  said,  they  have  carried  out 
this  satisfactorily  and  have  contributed  in  no  small  de- 
gree to  the  success  of  our  work.  Eeference  has  already 
been  made  to  the  value  of  magistrates  as  local  authori- 
ties, and  I  would  here  suggest  the  vital  importance  of 
providing  in  any  future  law,  that  the  police  and  village 
constabulary  assist  in  carrying  out  its  provisions. 

Denying  Permits ^  etc. — Any  dealer  who  violates  the 
rules  is  punished  by  the  refusal  of  permits  for  the  move- 
ment of  cattle  until  he  gives  bonds  to  abide  by  the  law 
in  the  future,  and  in  case  he  continues  to  violate,  he  is 
prosecuted  by  the  District  Attorney. 

Movement  of  Calves  and  Store  Cattle. — These  are  de- 
tained in  the  yards  until  sold  and  then  sent  on  permit 
to  their  destination. 

Examination  of  all  Dead  Cattle  at  the  Offal  Dock. — All 
animals  that  die  in  the  city  of  New  York  are  sent  to  the 
offal  dock  and  thence  to  the  rendering  works  at  Barren 
Island,  so  that  by  sending  an  inspector  daily  to  this  dock 
to  open  all  dead  cattle,  we  can  trace  the  existence  of  the 
ilisease  to  any  part  of  the  city  and  take  the  necessary 
steps  for  crushing  it  out.  In  this  way  one  man  can  ac- 
complish more  than  five  would  if  engaged  in  the  exam- 
ination of  herds,  beast  by  beast. 

Sysfetnatic  Inspection  of  jSerJs.— Notwithstanding  the 
difficulties  attendant  on  a  personal  inspection  of  the  an- 
imals, this  is  vigorously  prosecuted  and  now  the  greater 
part  of  the  city  has  been  overhauled. 


96  The  Lung  Plague  of  Cattle. 

Other  Measures. — Beside  the  above,  we  apply  in  the 
cities  all  the  rules  above  cited  for  the  country  concern- 
ing pasturage,  bull-licenses,  reporting  sickness,  inspec- 
tion,  condemnation,  appraisement,  slaughter,  indemnity, 
disinfection,  quarantine,  disposal  of  fodder  litter,  ma- 
nure, etc.,  and  the  registration  of  herds. 

I  need  only  add  that  since  its  complete  adoption  our 
progress  has  been  most  gratifying  and  we  can  now  almost 
claim  a  perfect  immunity  for  New  York  city. 

But  our  safety  as  a  State  depends  on  the  safety  of  our 
neighbors,  and  w^e  need  to  secure  such  action  from  the 
separate  infected  States  as  shall  banish  the  plague  from 
the  Continent.  With  New  York  as  a  great  centre  of  cat- 
tle trade  from  the  South  as  well  as  from  the  West  we 
must  inevitably  become  infected  anew  unless  we  keep  up 
an  expensive  and  vexatious  system  of  quarantine  against 
New  Jersey,  Pennsylvania,  Delaware,  Maryland,  Virginia 
and  District  of  Columbia.  The  disease  is  slowly  spread- 
ing south  and  west  from  Alexandria.  I  have  a  list  of  20 
herds  infected  in  one  line  south  of  that  city  within  the 
past  three  years.  The  plague  threatens  to  reach  our 
southern  and  western  ranges  whence  it  will  be  as  impos- 
sible to  eradicate  it  as  fi'om  the  Russian  steppes,  Aus- 
tralia and  South  Africa,  and  from  which  continuous  ac- 
cessions of  infection  will  be  thrown  upon  our  Middle  and 
Eastern  States,  and  shall  we  hesitate  to  call  upon  the 
National  Government  to  interfere  ?  This  is  a  question  of 
incomparably  more  moment  to  the  western  and  middle 
States  than  to  Delaware,  Maryland  or  Virginia.  To  throw 
the  burden  of  the  extinction  of  this  disease  on  these 
States  is  as  impolitic  as  it  is  unjust.  If  ever  there  was  a 
question  which  in  its  future  bearing  affected  the  United 
States  as  a  whole  it  is  this. 

It  would  be  highly  appropriate  that  the  Agriculturists 
of  the  different  State?,  Western  and  Southern,  as  well  a.s 
1  astern,  should  petition  Conpjress  to  take  this  matter  up 


A  Prompt  National  Action  Demanded.         07 

and  adopt  such  measures  as  would  forever  rid  our  coun- 
try of  this  most  insidious  of  all  animal  plagues.  At  all 
hazards  the  work  ought  to  be  done  and  that  speedily.  li 
State  rights  stand  in  the  way,  let  the  money  at  least  be 
supplied,  as  it  rightfully  ought,  from  the  National  ex- 
chequer, and  applied  by  the  different  States  througli 
their  own  officials  under  the  supervision  of  some  re- 
sponsible department — say  the  Agricultural  Bureau,  a 
Live  Stock  Disease  Commission,  the  National  Board 
of  Health,  or  even  the  Treasury  Department.  It  is  folly 
and  worse  to  quarrel  about  the  means  until  the  plague 
shall  have  passed  beyond  control.  Action  is  wanted, 
of  a  prompt  and  decisive  nature,  by  the  General  Gov- 
ernment or  with  its  assistance,  and  those  who  are  most 
deeply  interested  in  the  subject  should  press  this  upon 
the  Government  until  such  action  shall  have  been  se- 
cured. 
9 


T^.     1^°*    ^VT^^^^^O**    "^    DISKA8ED    LTTNG    PROM   AN  ADVANCED  CASE   OF   LUNO  PLAGTTE. 

ine  lung  tissue  has   been  softened  and  removed,  leaving  the  exudate  in  the  interlobular 
ttssue  oarcumscribmg^enipty  cavitie^like  a  honey-comb.     From  photogr.xph  by  Rockwood, 


Tra.  2.— PORTIOH  of  DTREASKD  LttNa  from  an  advanced  case  of  LtTNO  PtAGUE. 
The  lunR  tissue  has  disjippeared,  leavlnp  the  air-tubes  and  surrounding  vessels  and  connec- 
tive tissue  filled  with  organized  exudate,  and  having  a  branching  arrangement.  From 
photograph  by  Il<x^kwood. 


THE  FARMER'S  VETERINARY  ADVISER, 


OPINIONS  OF  THE  PRESS. 

TiTK  .author  has  accomphshed  his  task  with  remarkable  perspicuity 
and  ability.  In  this  "  Adviser  "  we  find  everything  necessary  to  be 
known  by  the  amateur  of  the  more  common,  and  even  some  of  tlie 
rarer,  forms  of  disease,  as  well  as  the  accidents  to  which  quadrupeds 
and  poultry  are  liable — the  whole  being  brought  up  to  the  most  ad-. 
vanced  standard  of  veterinary  science.  We  know  of  no  work  on  the 
subject  in  any  language  which,  in  the  same  space,  embraces  so  much. 
While  the  technicalities  of  science  are  interpreted  in  words  which 
must  be  intelligible  to  the  meanest  understanding,  and  the  whole 
book  is  written  in  a  terse  attractive  style,  nothing  is  omitted  which 
pertains  to  the  most  recent  investigations  and  discoveries.  We  cer- 
tainly have  no  book  like  this  in  Britain;  and  we  are  of  opinion  that, 
though  written  for  America,  it  should  prove  as  useful  on  this  side  of 
the  Atlantic. — The  Veterinary  Journal,  London,  Eng.^  August,  1876. 

The  diseases  of  all  our  domesticated  animals,  and  the  more  important 
ones  of  poultry,  are  described,  and  most  approved  treatment  given.  I 
have  no  hesitation  in  saying  that  this  is  the  most  useful  and  therefore 
the  best  work  on  the  diseases  of  animals  in  the  English  language.  It 
is  wonderful  how  much  information  has  been  compressed  within  the 
limits  of  a  smaU  volume.  Before  the  publication  of  this  work  a  farmer 
was  obhged  to  purchase  a  small  library  to  have  at  command  advice 
on  different  diseases  to  which  his  animals  are  liable,  and  even  then  it 
could  not  always  be  relied  on.  The  treatment  is  particularly  com- 
plete.— Dr.  Salmon  in  Countri,  Gentleman. 

We  can,  after  a  careful  perusal  of  the  work,  confidently  add,  that 
it  deserves  to  be  placed  at  the  head  of  all  that  has  hitherto  appeared 
in  this  line.  Its  400  pages  are  filled  with  valuable,  pract:3al  informa- 
tion, concisely  written  and  in  plain  popular  language.  —  Prairie 
Farmer,  Chicago,  July  29,  1876. 

In  a  systematic  way.  Prof.  Law  classifies  the  various  kinds  of  dis- 
ease, and  speaks  of  each  concisely,  as  it  appears  in  animals  of  different 
kinds, — its  symptoms,  treatment  and  prevention.  An  appendix  is 
devoted  to  the  action  of  medicines,  the  graduation  of  doses,  xmd  a 
table  of  remedies,  with  the  quantities  of  each  proper  to  be  adminis- 
tered. Theories  or  pathological  discussions,  however  interesting,  are 
passed  by,  in  order  to  give  simply  and  exclusively  just  what  the 
farmer  wants  to  know — and  that  often  in  a  great  hurry — about  th« 
treatment  of  a  particular  complaint.  —  Country  Gentleman. 


(2) 

A  MUCH  needed  book.  Should  be  carefully  studied  and  ma.«!tcre«] 
by  farmers. — A^.  Y.  Times. 

From  the  pen  of  such  an  author  is  a  sufficient  inducement  for  every 
one  to  buy  and  carefully  read  it.  Will  give  to  the  common  reader 
as  well  as  to  the  scientific  man  much  valuable  information. — Dr. 
LiAUTARD,  President  Veterinary  College,  New  York. 

It  will  prove  of  immense  benefit  to  the  farmers  and  stock  owners 
generally  on  this  continent,  and  at  the  same  time  it  will  be  of  p^reat 
service  as  a  book  of  reference  to  the  veterinary  practitioner. — Prop. 
Smith,  President  Veterinary  College,  Toronto. 

It  is  plain,  practical  and  comprehensive,  and  will  be  found  what 
its  name  implies,  a  valuable  and  rehable  adviser  in  the  many  cases  of 
Slock  ailments  that  farmers  and  stock  men  have  so  often  to  deal  with, 
— Practical  Farmer. 

A  BOOK  that  no  farmer  can  afford  to  be  without. — Rural  New 
Yorker. 

This  is  a  very  useful  work.  It  treats  of  the  diseases  to  which 
farm  animals  are  subject  in  a  very  plain,  practical  and  thorough 
manner. — American  Agriculturist. 

Though  many  books  of  veterinary  science  have  appeared  in  this 
country,  prior  to  the  one  whose  title  we  put  in  our  head  line,  they 
have  all  been  so  defective  in  comprehensiveness,  and  frequently  so 
untrustworthy  in  their  teaching,  as  to  render  it  most  desirable  that 
some  one  fully  competent  for  the  task  should  undertake  to  furnish  a 
satisfactory  work  on  the  diseases  of  domesticated  animals  in  the 
United  States.  The  republication  of  British  authors  has  not  supplied 
the  deficiency,  as  a  different  manner  of  feeding  and  a  different 
climate  modify  diseases,  and  indeed  produce  new  ones  which  are 
entirely  unknown  in  the  British  Isles.  Prof.  Law,  whose  name  has 
for  a  long  time  been  agreeably  familiar  to  readers  of  The  Tribune, 
will  be  generally  acknowledged  as  the  fittest  possible  person  for 
such  service,  and  we  gladly  commend  the  result  of  his  labors  to  a!l 
keepers  of  stock.  *  *  *  *  Though  we  have  dwelt  chiefly  on  that 
chapter  of  the  "Veterinary  Adviser"  which  treats  of  contagious 
diseases,  on  account  of  the  great  pubUc  interest  that  attaches  to 
many  of  them,  the  succeeding  chapters  are  not  less  interesting  to 
keepers  of  live  stock,  as  due  attention  is  paid  to  all  the  minor  mala- 
dies to  which  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  and  swine  are  subjected.  The 
author's  extensive  knowledge  of  veterinary  hterature  and  his  varied 
practical  experience  have  been  happily  utilized  by  describing  diseases 
concisely  and  in  language  intelligible  to  all. — New  York  Tribune. 

Plain  and  practical  it  will  direct  the  common  farmer  how  to  re- 
lieve  distressed  animals  whenever  relief  is  practicable.  Prof.  Law 
in  his  book  sets  forth  in  the  plainest  language  the  knowledge  he  has 
gleaned  both  of  the  nature  of  the  diseases  which  assail  domestic 
animals,  and  the  proper  treatment  of  them.  And  what  is  of  quite  aa 
much  importance,  he  discusses  the  sanitary  measures  by  which  good 
health  and  vigor  may  be  preserved. — The  Husbandman. 

This  is  a  handsome  duodecimo  volume  of  over  four  hundred  pages, 
aid  we  are  much  pleased  with  it  in  the  fact  that  the  author  has 
labored  to  bring  it  within  the  comprehension  of  that  class  who  need 
it    Most  works  of  this  class  are  lumbered  up  with  so  much  learning 


(3) 

in  technical  language,  that  they  fail  of  ever  meeting  the  wants  of 
laymen.  Prof.  Law  has  wisely  avoided  this  fatal  error,  and  haa 
made  his  book  what  he  calls  it,  a  "  Veterinary  Adviser  for  Farmers." 
—  Wallace's  Monthly, 

From  a  careful  examination  of  the  work  it  impresses  us  as  one  of 
immense  value  to  the  Uve  stock  interest  of  the  nation,  and  a  copy 
should  be  in  the  hands  of  every  farmer.  It  is  comprehensive,  in- 
cluding the  diseases  of  horses,  cattle,  sheep,  swine  and  poultry.  The 
work  is  eminently  practical.  Some  veterinary  works  are  so  tech- 
nical as  to  be  of  httle  use  to  the  plain  farmer,  but  this  is  made  so 
plain  as  to  be  readily  comprehended  by  any  man  of  ordinary  intel- 
lect. A  most  valuable  feature  of  the  work  before  us  is  an  appendix 
which  gives  the  doses  of  the  different  medicines  recommended  for 
the  different  species  of  domesticated  animals.  The  press  uniformly 
pronounce  it  the  best  work  on  the  subject  that  has  yet  appeared. 
No  farmer's  library  is  complete  without  it. — Southern  Live  Stock 
Journal. 

I  AM  delighted  with  it.  It  cannot  fail  to  be  exceedingly  useful  to 
the  young  veterinary  practitioner  as  well  as  to  the  farmer. — Wil- 
liamson Brydkn,  Esq.,  V.S.,  Boston,  Mass. 

Deskr^ks  to  attain  to  a  healthy  old  age.  —  Prof.  Murray, 
M.R.C.V.S.,  Detroit,  late  of  Royal  Agricultural  College,  Cirencester, 
England. 

"  The  work  is  especially  designed  to  supply  the  need  of  the  busy 
American  farmer  who  can  rarely  avail  of  a  scientific  veterinarian  " 
says  the  preface,  and  a  careful  examination  would  lead  us  to  indorse 
this  claim.  The  maladies  are  well  described,  their  salient  features 
are  given  in  detail,  and  as  far  as  may  be,  their  causes,  thus  affording 
a  guide  to  a  rational  treatment.  The  book  is  copiously  illustrated 
and  has  been  prepared  at  considerable  expense.  We  trust  it  will 
meet  with  a  successful  sale,  for  w^e  think  it  the  most  valuable  book 
on  the  subject  that  has  yet  appeared. — Scientific  Farmer. 

We  think,  when  the  demand  for  veterinary  literature  is  supplied 
by  works  which  are  mere  advertisements  of  secret  medicines,  it  waa 
high  time  that  some  competent  and  honorable  veterinary  surgeon 
should  undertake  the  task  of  writing  a  work  on  the  various  diseases 
to  which  the  domesticated  animals  are  subject  in  this  country.  We 
think  we  can  safely  say  that  Prof.  Law  has  accomplished  this  task 
in  a  most  satisfactory  manner,  as  the  various  diseases  are  described 
in  as  brief  and  plain  a  manner  as  is  compatible  with  giving  all  the 
information  that  is  required  on  the  s^flbject.  We  most  heartily  com 
mend  this  work  to  the  farmers  of  Michigan  who  need  in  their  daily 
practice  just  such  a  work. — Michigan  Farmer. 

A  VERY  valuable  book.  It  is  full  of  excellent  information  pertain- 
ing to  veterinary  matter  which  every  farmtr  should  possess.  It  is 
liberally  illustrated,  and  although  the  text  is  very  clear,  the  cuts 
make  it  yet  more  easily  understood  by  all  who  read  it —  Western 
Rural. 

One  of  the  most  valuable  books  ever  issued  from  the  American 
press,  for  the  general  farmer,  is  that  recently  published  by  Prof. 
Law,  of  Cornell  University,  entitled  "The  Farmer's  Veterinary 
Adviser."     It  is  designed  especially  to  supply  the  wants  of  such  at 


(4) 

are  so  situated  that  they  cannot  avail  themselves  of  the  services  of  a 
scientific  veterinarian,  and  as  such  it  is  plainly  written,  concise  and 
comprehensive. — National  Live  Stock  Journal. 

The  country  is  flooded  with  miserable,  trashy  books  —  literary 
garbage,  so  to  speak,  of  one  sort  or  another.  Now  and  then  a  re- 
ally excellent  production  appears — the  gift,  perhaps,  of  a  brain  that 
is  nearly  if  not  altogether  inspired — and  yet  occasionally  such,  even 
in  our  day,  meets  at  first  but  a  poor  reception.  *  *  *  But  we  start- 
ed out  to  call  attention  to  a  very  admirable  book — a  book  that  fills  a 
eacancy  and  suppHes  a  long-felt  want.  The  "Veterinary  Adviser" 
is  just  simply  a  very  straightforward  and  well  written  treatise,  suit- 
ed in  every  way  to  the  wants  of  the  farmers  for  whom  it  is  espe- 
cially intended ;  and  we  do  not  hesitate  to  say  that  it  should  occupy 
an  honored  place  in  the  iibrar}  of  every  agriculturist  who  has  any 
money  invested  in  hve  stock.  It  tells  all  about  the  different  diseases 
of  our  domestic  animals — it  discusses  the  best  methods  of  treating 
these  diseases,  giving  cause  and  cure,  together  with  much  sensible 
comment  in  relation  to  disinfectants,  preventives,  etc.  No  agricult- 
urist with  the  education  necessary  to  the  comprehension  of  plain 
Enghsh  could  possibly  be  the  owner  of  the  "  Farmer's  Veterinary 
Adviser"  without  deriving  from  it  information  to  the  value  of  many 
times  its  cost;  and  in  the  case  of  those  owning  blooded  stock  it 
should  be  regarded  as  a  part  of  the  outfit  impossible  to  be  dispensed 
with. — Farmer's  Home  Journal. 

It  treats  of  a  subject  upon  which  we  have  a  professional  judgment, 
and  a  subject  of  importance  to  the  pubhc,  viz :  the  diseases  of  all 
our  domestic  animals — not  a  few  of  which  are  communicable  to 
man.  The  profound  ignorance  which  prevails  almost  universally  on 
this  subject  has  led  to  more  pecuniary  loss,  more  absurd  and  oppress- 
ive legislation,  more  caprice  and  injustice  in  the  administration  of  the 
law,  than  any  one,  not  aware  of  the  facts,  would  probably  be  willing 
to  believe.  Prof,  Law  has  written  with  complete  originahty  and 
marked  ability.  In  the  volume  before  us,  though  not  a  large  book, 
will  be  found  more  information,  and  in  a  form  more  available  to  the 
non-professional  man,  than  can  be  had  from  any  other  book  on  the 
science  in  ours  or  in  any  language.  Wliile  we  desire  to  recommend 
this  work  to  every  stock  man  and  every  farmer  as  something  he 
;annot  afford  to  do  without,  we  desire  at  the  same  time  to  urge  the 
great  public  importance  of  this  subject  It  has  often  been  to  us  a 
matter  of  surprise  that  Ihose  who  have  devoted  special  attention  to 
the  subject  of  legal  medicine,  have  so  completely  ignored  the  great 
light  that  would  be  thrown  upon  their  labors  by  the  study  of  this 
branch  of  science.  *  *  In  all  sincerity  we  regard  the  "  Farmer's 
Veterinary  Adviser  "  as  the  best  and  most  useful  work  extant  on  the 
subject  of  veterinary  science.  If  whosoever  is  the  owner  of  one 
valuable  animal  will  be  advised  by  us  he  will  send  and  get  it  with- 
out delay. — Southern  P^/inter  and  Farmer. 

This  work  gives  in  a  „ondensed  form  the  plainest  account  of  the 
the  diseases  of  our  domestic  animals  with  treatment  rational  and  of 
easy  application.  Here  we  find  an  intelligible  account  of  all  the 
modern  contagious  diseases,  some  of  which,  happily,  have  not  yet 
"cached  our  shores.     Dr.  Law  unites  a  thorough  veterinary  educa- 


(5) 

tion  in  Europe  and  extensive  practice  in  thiv  country.  These  rare 
opportuuiues  he  has  improved  to  give  us  a  work  well  fitted  for  the 
American  farmer,  and  the  existence  of  such  a  book  only  needs  to  be 
known  that  it  may  be  appreciated  and  adopted.  All  arranged  so  as 
to  be  easily  found  and  with  such  plain  descriptions  as  can  be  under- 
stood by  the  unprofessional  reader. — Massachusetts  Ploughman. 

Will  be  found  very  valuable  and  effective. —  Columbia  Co,  (iV.  T.) 
limes. 

Recipes  and  prescriptions  by  the  thousand  have  been  published  for 
the  cure  of  disease,  and  preparations  and  combinations  of  drugs  have 
been  advertised  and  sold  without  limit  by  people  who  are  as  igno- 
rant of  the  laws  of  health  as  they  are  unfamiliar  with  the  anatomy 
of  the  patients  they  propose  to  cure.  The  "  Farmer's  Veterinary 
Adviser"  is  a  difierent  book.  We  are  not  personally  acquainted 
with  the  author,  but  of  this  we  are  sure,  that  any  one  of  ordinary 
abihty  can  see  at  a  glance  that  this  book  is  an  original  production 
and  from  beginning  to  end  the  author's  own  work,  and  is  written 
by  one  who  understands  his  profession  and  knows  just  what  he  is 
talking  about.  Unlike  many  books  of  its  class,  this  not  only  gives 
directions  for  the  treatment  of  animals  when  they  are  sick,  but  bet- 
ter still,  indicates  the  treatment  necessary  to  prevent  animals  from 
becoming  sick.  It  is  a  work  valuable  not  only  for  reference  in  times 
of  trouble,  but  more  than  that,  it  is  a  guide  to  the  every-day  man- 
agement of  domestic  animals  with  regard  to  their  health  and  useful- 
ness. The  "  Veterinary  Adviser  "  is  designed  to  teach  the  farmer 
how  to  keep  his  animals  healthy,  how  to  know  their  diseases  when 
they  appear  and  how  to  treat  them.  We  have  seen  no  book  on  the 
diseases  of  animals  which  we  can  recommend  with  so  much  confi- 
dence as  this  of  Prof.  Law.  It  contains  over  400  pages,  treats  upon 
almost  every  disease  that  animal  flesh  is  heir  to,  and  will  pay  for  it- 
self a  dozen  times  over  in  the  hands  of  every  intelligent  man  who 
owns  horses,  cattle,  sheep  or  swine. — New  England  Farmer. 

He  has  undertaken  to  combine,  in  what  may  be  termed  a  "  Popu- 
lar Medical  Adviser,"  scientific  and  familiar  language.  And  in  this 
he  has  succeeded ;  that  is  so  far  as  success  is  ever  attained  in  such 
an  undertaking.  The  general  appearance  of  the  volume  is  excellent, 
and  we  hke  its  arrangement.  The  chapters  on  contagious  and 
epizootic  diseases  and  on  parasites  are  concise,  and  may  be  sufficient- 
ly well  understood  by  an  intelligent  reader,  offering  him  a  large 
amount  of  information  on  very  important  subjects.  The  remaining 
chapters,  which  are  well  classified  for  reference,  may  be  advanta- 
geously consulted  by  the  veterinary  student  and  practitioner  as  weh 
as  by  others,  who  may  be  sure  of  their  diagnosis.  With  regard  to 
the  preparation  of  the  foot  of  the  horse  in  shoeing,  we  support  the 
opinion  of  Prof.  Law  in  every  particular,  and  there  can  be  no  subject 
of  greater  interest  to  the  farmer  or  medical  man,  dependent  as  they 
both  are  upon  the  services  of  this  animal. — Boston  Medical  and  Sur- 
gical Journal. 

A  COMPACT  and  thoroughly  practical  guide  to  the  prevention  and 
treatment  of  disease  in  domestic  animals.  In  a  terse  manner  it 
describes  every  disease,  sets  forth  their  symptoms  and  prescribes  the 
proper  treatment  to  follow.     The  work  is  invaluable  to  every  farmer 


(6) 

in  the  land  and  none  should  fail  to  provide  theuieelves  with  a  copy. 
The  Professor  through  this  work  becomes  a  public  benefactor.— TA4 
Spirit  of  the  Times. 

In  the-  briefest  possible  way  every  disease  is  described,  its  symp- 
toms set  forth  and  the  treatment  prescribed.  The  man  who  resorts 
to  the  book  does  not  have  to  wade  through  a  sea  of  discussions  to 
find  what  is  the  matter  with  his  horse,  ox,  or  sheep  and  to  discover 
the  mode  of  cure.  A  book  that  will  enable  the  stock  owner  to  dis- 
pense with  the  services  of  perilous  quacks.  The  qualified  veterinary 
surgeons  wiU  thank  the  Professor  for  his  work  since  death  to  the 
quacks  means  the  promotion  of  their  business  interests. — The  Turf^ 
Fieli  and  Farm. 

This  is  a  splendid  work,  chock-full  of  valuable  information,  and 
replete  with  practical  tests,  the  author  being  standard  authority  on 
these  subjects  throughout  the  United  States.  It  tells  all  about  each 
and  every  disease  to  which  our  domestic  animals  are  subject,  gives 
hints  about  the  breeding  management  and  care  of  animals,  in  a  word 
it  is  just  the  tiling  for  the  farmer  or  stock  breeder  to  have  on  hand 
for  reference. —  Chatauqua  Farmer. 

This  is  a  dangerous  book  so  far  as  the  interests  of  the  professional 
are  concerned,  as  it  is  so  plain  and  professionally  correct,  that  any 
common  sense  man  may  doctor  his  own  animal.  No  farmer  or 
horseman  can  aflbrd  to  be  without  a  copy. — Dr.  Horne  in  Country 
Gentleman. 

Has  been  pronounced  by  the  highest  authority  to  be  the  best 
book  on  the  diseases  of  animals  published.  It  is  absolutely  a  ne- 
cessity to  farmers,  treating  the  various  diseases  to  which  domesticated 
animals  are  subject  in  an  able  and  practical  manner. — The  Spirit  of 
the  Times. 

A  MUCH  needed  book.  It  is  an  excellent  work  tersely  but  plainly 
written,  and  treats  upon  almost  every  ailment  of  domestic  animals 
in  a  manner  that  can  be  understood  by  any  farmer  of  ordinary  edu- 
cation. Prof.  Law  is  one  of  the  most  thorough  of  veterinary 
scientists  of  the  day,  and  we  are  glad  that  he  so  well  qualified 
should  have  undertaken  the  task  of  instructing  farmers  upon  some 
points  that  it  is  necessary  for  them  to  know.  Many  a  valuable 
animal  is  sacrificed  and  many  a  slight  and  arrestable  illness  becomes 
dangerous  and  chronic  because  in  its  first  stages  the  farmer  does  not 
know  how  to  treat  it,  and  the  aid  of  a  qualified  veterinarian  is  not 
at  once  attainable.  For  these  reasons  no  farmer's  stock  in  trade  ia 
complete  without  a  work  on  veterinary  surgery  and  we  know  of  no 
work  that  fills  the  bill  so  well  as  this  one  of  Prof.  Law. —  Canada 
Farmer. 

Much  as  we  despise  the  general  run  of  works  which  profess  to 
make  every  man  his  own  cattle  doctor,  good  manuals  on  the  veteri- 
nary treatment  of  animals  are  much  needed  to  guide  the  stock  owner. 
The  dissemination  of  sound  elementary  knowledge  in  the  diagnosis 
and  treatment  of  disease  would  be  a  great  benefit.  The  farmer  at 
least  should  be  more  intelligent  than  the  cow-leech,  and  should  know 
enougli  to  dispense  with  his  services.  A  well  trair^d  intellect  and 
logical  mind  may  be  intrusted  with  some  knowledge  of  diseases  ol 
men  and  animals  without  necessarily  converting  him  mto  an  igno* 


(") 

pant  quack.  We  are  tempted  to  inake  these  remarks  after  perusing 
a  recent  American  work  by  Professor  Law,  of  Cornell  University. 
No  work  in  the  English  language  which  we  have  seen  comes  so 
nearly  up  to  our  ideal  of  what  a  veterinary  manual  for  stock  owners 
should  be  as  this  little  volume.  Ostensibly  written  for  American 
farmers,  this  woi»k  will  be  found  useful  to  all  who  have  the  care  of 
live  stock  in  the  Old  as  well  as  the  New  World.  The  need  for  it  is 
of  course  more  in  America  than  in  England  where  the  aid  of  skilled 
veterinary  surgeons  is  more  readily  obtained  than  on  the  other  side 
of  the  Atlantic,  where  they  are  few  and  far  between.  The  work 
thoroughly  attains  the  object  for  which  it  was  written.  The  lan- 
guage used  is  of  the  simplest  kind.  All  technical  terms  are  explain- 
ed. There  is  none  of  the  jargon  of  the  pedant,  too  common  in  mod- 
ern veterinary  works.  The  diseases  of  animals  are  classified,  the 
symptoms,  treatment,  prevention  and  cure  given  in  intelligible  En 
glish.  Carefully  prepared  illustrations  accompany  the  text  where 
necessary,  and  it  contains  an  admirably  prepared  appendix  of  the  ac- 
tion and  doses  of  medicines  recommended,  and  withal  an  ample  in- 
dex. It  combines  a  veterinary  dictionary  and  manual  and  its  in- 
structions are  clear  and  concise.  All  the  common  diseases  incident 
to  animals  in  this  country  will  be  found  described  in  its  pages,  for 
Professor  Law,  though  an  American  by  adoption,  had  extended  ex- 
perience when  residing  in  his  native  country  as  Professor  of  Veteri- 
nary Science  in  the  ^ate  Albert  Veterinary  College,  Bayswater,  and 
the  New  Veterinan  College,  Edinburgh,  where  he  was  a  colleague 
of  Professor  John  Gamgee's.  Such  a  work  as  "  The  Farmers  Vete- 
rinary Adviser"  deserves  an  extended  circulation  in  this  kingdom, 
and  we  should  be  glad  to  see  an  English  edition  of  the  work  brought 
out  under  the  auspice^  of  some  one  of  onr  enterprising  publishers  on 
this  side  of  the  Atlantic. —  The  Country,  f^ondon^  Mig. 


PROPERTY  OF 

A.  &  M.  COLLEGE  LIBRARY. 


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